Teeple Emerges as Front-Runner for County Sheriff in Latest Projections

Rich Vitiello, Ross Teeple, and Teresa Martinez were seen volunteering at the Maricopa Food Pantry on July 27, 2024, demonstrating community involvement during an important electoral moment. As the dust settled from the polls, Ross Teeple (R-Cactus Forest) appeared to be pulling ahead in the race to become Pinal County’s next sheriff.

Initial tallies indicated Teeple leading his opponent, Patrick Melvin (D-Maricopa), by 23 points just after 10:30 p.m. InMaricopa has since projected Teeple as the apparent victor. By that time, Teeple had received more than 61% of the vote, translating to 83,951 ballots in his favor, while Melvin garnered 52,569 votes.

“I’m humbled by our big election win and I’m eager for this opportunity to serve as your sheriff,” Teeple expressed in an interview with InMaricopa. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing professional law enforcement and public safety measures across the county.

Melvin, Maricopa’s first police chief from 2006 to 2010, did not offer a comment following the election results. Throughout the campaign, tensions between the two candidates escalated, marked by heated exchanges in op-eds and public appearances.

Both candidates have leveled accusations against one another, questioning the other’s qualifications for the sheriff’s role. However, a closer look shows that both possessed relevant experience. Melvin’s background includes various leadership roles across multiple cities, while Teeple’s experience was honed over 17 years within the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, culminating in a lieutenant position.

In the end, it was Teeple who emerged victorious, earning the position with a clear mandate from the voters.