Democrat Eyes County Recorder Role as ‘Firewall’ Against Opposition

In a surprising turn of events, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer was ousted in the Republican primary on July 30, a development that has stirred significant reactions in Arizona. His opponent, state Rep. Justin Heap, R-Mesa, triumphed amidst a backdrop of divisive opinions on election integrity and previous conspiracies concerning Arizona’s electoral processes.

Tim Stringham, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for recorder, remained largely in the shadows during the heated Republican race. However, Richer’s defeat sparked a surge of support for Stringham, as elected officials and voters began to coalesce around the Democratic candidate in response to the unexpected primary results.

“The people most surprised by the outcome were those who were meant to predict it,” Stringham noted, capturing the sense of disbelief that rippled through political circles.

Richer’s tenure since 2021 was marked by his struggle against widespread conspiracy theories questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential and 2022 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Heap has been vague about his beliefs regarding election integrity, branding Maricopa County elections as a “laughing stock” and vowing to reverse many of Richer’s initiatives.

Stringham, a U.S. Army veteran and law school graduate, understood his candidacy as a necessary defense against more extreme candidates in the race. His military background informs his commitment to public service, saying, “This phase of my life is about honoring my oath to the Constitution.”

Stringham’s involvement in the recorder’s race was partly driven by a realization that many in Maricopa County believed Richer was invulnerable. Eventually, he felt compelled to step in after being approached by the county Democratic Party executive director, Jon Ryder, amidst prevailing doubts about Richer’s defeat.

The financial landscape of the race further complicated matters. Richer boasted close to $200,000 in cash ahead of the primary, while Heap had considerably less, at about $81,000. Both candidates face the challenge of building name recognition as they head towards the general election.

Stringham expressed respect for Richer’s work but felt an urgency to establish a backup plan for when the incumbent faced a daunting primary battle. Their conversation reaffirmed Stringham’s belief that Richer would struggle against Heap.

In the wake of the primary results, support for Stringham has intensified dramatically. Reports indicate he raised over $50,000 just one day after Richer’s loss, highlighting a shift in the political landscape.

Stringham acknowledged that Heap’s primary win could improve Democratic prospects in the general election, stating, “We knew we would lose if Stephen Richer had won.” However, he also recognizes the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for bipartisan support from Richer’s former constituents.

As Stringham prepares for the campaign ahead, he seeks to convey to voters his independent spirit, mentioning his history of voting across party lines. He hints at a simpler life beyond politics, fantasizing about sailing around the world in four years if elected.

Despite the political climate pushing many good candidates away, Stringham remains hopeful for the future of electoral integrity in Arizona. He suggests that recent electoral outcomes indicate a system that functions better than some may believe, saying, “Perhaps this process is safer than you thought.”

The path forward for both Stringham and Heap remains uncertain as they gear up for the general election. Stringham’s burgeoning support among disillusioned voters suggests a competitive race ahead, one that may redefine the political landscape in Maricopa County.

Heap has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the evolving dynamics of the race.