Arizona Election Official Stephen Richer Defeated in GOP Primary

Richer, known for defending election integrity, loses to far-right challenger Justin Heap in Maricopa County.

Stephen Richer, Maricopa County Recorder, lost the Republican primary to state representative Justin Heap.
Heap, endorsed by Kari Lake and the Freedom Caucus, questioned election processes without outright claiming fraud.
Richer faced death threats and harassment for defending the legitimacy of the 2020 and 2022 elections.
Heap will face Democrat Tim Stringham in the November general election.
Richer will continue to oversee elections until his term ends in January.