IN FOCUS - Mar 1, 2024

Forget the federal and state races. Maricopa County will host some of the hottest contests on the ballot this year.

Below is a look at high-profile races for Supervisor, County Attorney and Recorder that will determine control of the electoral battleground and nation’s 4th largest county.

• Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

Supervisors Bill Gates and Clint Hickman are not seeking re-election, creating open seats in districts 3 and 4. The District 3 race includes former legislator Kate Brophy McGee (R) and former Phoenix City Councilman Danny Valenzuela (D), among other candidates. In District 4, GOP Congresswoman Debbie Lesko made a sizable splash with her candidacy. Meanwhile, Supervisors Jack Sellers (R), Thomas Galvin (R) and Steve Gallardo (D) are seeking re-election. These Primaries - especially for Supervisor Galvin, who faces GOP former legislator Michelle Ugenti-Rita - will be very contentious.

• Maricopa County Attorney

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell faces a GOP Primary rematch against former Goodyear prosecutor Gina Godbehere. Some MAGA fans hold a grudge against Mitchell for her office’s defense of the county against multiple 2022 election-related lawsuits filed by Kari Lake and Abe Hamadeh. A late entrant into the race: Democrat ​​Tamika Wooten, who was a prosecutor in Glendale.

• Maricopa County Recorder

County Recorder Stephen Richer is a Republican, but that matters little to those who blame him for 2022 losses by Kari Lake and other MAGA faves. Richer shouldn’t lack for fundraising, but faces a tough GOP Primary challenge from state Rep. Justin Heap (R-Mesa), who launched his campaign this week. Though little-known Democrat Timothy Stringham has entered the race, watch for a bigger name to emerge.

Prospective candidates have one month from today - until April 1 - to file their paperwork to run for county office.