Republican Allies Rally Behind Democrat in Maricopa County Recorder Race

A coalition of Republicans publicly endorsed Tim Stringham, the Democratic candidate for Maricopa County Recorder, on Monday. This group, which includes Mesa City Councilmember Julie Spilsbury, former John McCain aide Bettina Nava, and local business owner Ann Wallack, voiced their refusal to support Republican candidate Justin Heap.

The members criticized Heap’s ties to “extreme” candidates and his proposed changes to election processes. Spilsbury emphasized her personal connections with Heap, noting their shared community and church affiliations, but stated she could not “in good conscience” back him.

“We cannot have someone in this office who continues to deny election results,” Spilsbury asserted during a press conference. She took issue with Heap’s disparaging remarks about electoral integrity, labeling some elections as a “laughing stock.”

Spilsbury shared that many of her Republican peers echo her sentiments, although few are willing to publicly endorse a Democratic candidate. She expressed her intention to vote for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump and Ruben Gallego over Kari Lake.

Nava, who previously worked on McCain’s campaigns and in his Senate office, critiqued Heap’s endorsements from figures like Kari Lake and Joe Arpaio. She expressed concern over Heap’s reticence to engage in debates or interviews with the media.

“We don’t need more election denialism,” Nava stated at the press conference. “What we need is a competent county recorder.”

While Heap has not explicitly asserted that the 2020 or 2022 elections were fraudulent, his associations with candidates who promote such theories have prompted many Republicans, including Spilsbury, Nava, and Wallack, to shift their support to Stringham.

Wallack praised Stringham as a candidate who aims to restore voter confidence, drawing parallels with the outgoing Recorder Stephen Richer’s tenure.

Nava highlighted Stringham’s background as a Navy veteran, similar to McCain’s, noting his commitment to maintaining current election processes, such as early voting, which Heap has proposed removing.

Despite criticisms regarding Stringham’s lack of political experience, Spilsbury suggested that this could be an advantage. “I think sometimes that’s what we need,” she commented, indicating a desire for fresh perspectives in office.

Spilsbury conveyed her awareness of the toll political division has taken on election officials in recent years, commending Stringham for his willingness to enter the race under such conditions.

“To know that someone’s willingly going to jump in to do that … I just admire it so much,” she said.

Nava urged voters to consider Stringham as a means to restore professionalism to the recorder’s office now that Richer will not seek re-election. “Let’s bring one back,” she concluded.