Concerns rise as election deniers win important races in Arizona GOP primaries
Arizona Republican candidates who have embraced election-related conspiracy theories emerged victorious in several primary races this week, causing concerns among mainstream voting groups about the upcoming November election. Candidates like U.S. Senate hopeful Kari Lake, former state Sen. Sonny Borrelli, and former Arizona secretary of state candidate Mark Finchem clinched their primary victories, potentially paving the way for them to fill critical administrative roles in the 2025 elections.
These election results reflect a nationwide trend where individuals skeptical of the electoral process are actively seeking to control it. Alex Gulotta, the Arizona state director for All Voting is Local, a non-profit organization focused on voting rights, emphasized the importance of paying attention to these down-ballot races, as they are where the democratic process is most vital.
While some voting rights advocates feared that the Arizona primaries would face challenges from election deniers, these concerns did not materialize, possibly due to the success of proponents of conspiracy theories in key races. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes’ office remained silent on the specific races but conveyed a strong stance against election denialism, highlighting the importance of upholding democracy and dispelling unfounded claims of widespread fraud.
One of the notable outcomes of the primaries was the defeat of Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a vocal opponent of election deniers, by state Rep. Justin Heap, who has ties to Arizona’s right-wing Freedom Caucus. Heap’s reluctance to affirm the fairness of Maricopa’s elections, coupled with his endorsement by Kari Lake, known for promoting baseless theories about past elections, complicates the electoral landscape.
Maricopa County, a crucial swing county in Arizona with a significant share of registered voters, has been a focal point of election conspiracy movements marked by harassment and threats of violence against election officials. Richer’s removal from office underscores the escalating tensions surrounding election administration, exacerbated by the persistent spread of misinformation and divisive rhetoric.
With denier candidates potentially gaining influence over election processes in Maricopa County and beyond, voting rights activists warn of looming challenges to the integrity of future elections. The incoming shake-up in the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, where supporters of election deniers have made significant gains, sets the stage for potential policy changes that could impact election procedures.
Beyond Maricopa County, the victories of candidates like Borrelli and Finchem in other regions of Arizona signal a broader trend of embracing conspiracy theories within the Republican party. Borrelli’s win against incumbent Buster Johnson in Mohave County and Finchem’s success in securing a legislative seat underscore the growing influence of individuals aligned with efforts to undermine the legitimacy of elections.
Finchem, endorsed by former President Trump, has been actively involved in disputing the outcomes of the 2020 and 2022 elections, gaining notoriety as an unindicted co-conspirator in legal cases related to election fraud claims. His potential legislative role may shape future election laws in the state, reflecting a broader push to overhaul voting processes and introduce restrictive measures.
If elected in the upcoming general elections, these candidates are poised to assume significant responsibilities in governing election procedures and policies, potentially shaping the trajectory of democracy in Arizona. As the state braces for critical electoral decisions, the choice of leadership in these pivotal races carries far-reaching implications for the future of fair and transparent elections.
