High-profile national races are sucking most of the life out of this year's primary election , but metro Phoenix voters will also consider a handful of lesser-known but equally important elected positions.
The big picture: There are several competitive primaries for Maricopa County offices and the outcomes could impact criminal justice, policing and the way we vote.
- Here's your quick guide to the candidates:
Attorney
Why it matters: The county attorney serves as the chief prosecutor in superior court and provides legal counsel to other county offices, school districts and the community college districts.
Republican primary: Rachel Mitchell vs. Gina Godbehere
- Mitchell , first appointed as county attorney in 2022, has spent more than 20 years with the county attorney's office, including as the head prosecutor in the sex crimes bureau. She's known nationally for serving as investigative counsel during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings .
- Godbehere , who challenged Mitchell unsuccessfully in a 2022 special election, also worked for the county attorney's office for more than two decades. She then served as the city of Goodyear's chief prosecutor and most recently was a crime victims' rights attorney.
What's next: The winner will face Democrat Tamika Wooten .
Recorder
Why it matters: The county recorder maintains public records (like deeds and liens) and oversees voter registration and early voting.
Republican primary: Stephen Richer vs. Justin Heap vs. Donald Hiatt
- Richer , an attorney, was first elected in 2020 with a promise of transparency and reform following technical issues at polling places in 2018. He's faced backlash from Trump-aligned Republicans who purport without evidence that the 2020 and 2022 elections were rigged.
- Heap , also an attorney, is aligned and backed by many of the MAGA Republicans who have questioned the validity of Maricopa County's election results. He's a state representative and member of the Arizona Freedom Caucus who's critiqued the county's handling of elections.
- Hiatt , an information management technology professional with 30 years of experience, says he's the only true MAGA candidate in the race and will "restore public trust" in the voting process.
What's next: The winner will face Democrat Timothy Stringham .
Sheriff
Why it matters: The county sheriff oversees jails, serves superior court orders and warrants and enforces laws in unincorporated areas.
Republican primary: Frank Milstead vs. Jerry Sheridan vs. Frank "Mike" Crawford
- Milstead is a 35-year law enforcement veteran. He served as Mesa police chief and Department of Public Safety director, where he faced criticism for his handling of the 2015 freeway shooter case . His priorities include school safety, border security and theft prevention.
- Sheridan climbed the ranks of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for 38 years, and spent the end of his law enforcement career as the second-in-command to controversial former Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He says he will reinstate Arpaio's "tent city" jail and focus on ending drug smuggling and protecting children from sexual predators.
- Crawford is a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired Glendale police officer with 37 years of law enforcement experience. He says he'll audit the department books "on day one" and create spending transparency. He also wants to bring back the MCSO volunteer posse and expand the school resource deputy program.
Democratic primary: Russ Skinner vs. Tyler Kamp
- Skinner was appointed sheriff by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors earlier this year, following former Sheriff Paul Penzone's departure . He's been with MCSO for nearly 35 years and was a Republican until switching his party to secure the appointment. He's said the office should be nonpartisan and he will provide progressive public safety leadership.
- Kamp was a Phoenix police officer for 20 years who says he "represents the ideal blend of innovative crime-fighting techniques, ethical leadership and community engagement." After leaving the department, a rookie officer accused him of sending inappropriate messages about her appearance. Kamp said the texts were "taken out of context," ABC 15 reported .
School superintendent
Why it matters: The county school superintendent appoints members to vacant school board seats, administers school elections and works with the state department of education to support district needs.
Republican primary: Steve Watson vs. Nickie Kelley vs. Shelli Boggs
- Watson was first elected in 2016 and previously taught career technical education in the Deer Valley Unified School District for 15 years. A county audit released last month found "ineffective budgeting practices" led to overspending at a school district managed by Watson's office.
- Kelley is a math teacher at Tolleson High School. She says she will bring responsible budget management to the office and thoroughly vet all school board applicants "for their positions on [critical race theory], sex education, fiscal responsibility and academic rigor."
- Boggs is a former teacher and East Valley Institute of Technology governing board member. She says she will remove politics from classrooms, defend parental rights and restore financial accountability.
What's next: The winner will face Democrat Laura Schaffer Metcalfe .
Treasurer
Why it matters: The county treasurer is in charge of collecting and distributing tax dollars.
Republican primary: John Allen vs. William Lichtsinn
- Allen was first elected treasurer in 2020 after 12 years in the state House. He says his time in office has resulted in enhanced customer service and increased investment performance.
- Lichtsinn is a Navy veteran and accountant who says he will bring his financial expertise to the office and increase accountability.
What's next: The winner will almost certainly be successful in November, as there is no Democratic challenger.
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