Justin Heap's victory over Stephen Richer sends shockwaves through ABT ranks

Heap will now face Democrat Tim Stringham, who ran unopposed in his party’s primary.

PUBLISHED JUL 31, 2024

Critics point out that Heap has previously changed his political affiliation and has given conflicting views on former President Donald Trump..

Phoenix, Arizona: Incumbent Stephen Richer has been beaten in his Republican primary for Maricopa County recorder by State Rep. Justin Heap; a result that has sent reverberations through the Democrats and Anyone But Trumpers (ABT) and ripples of excitement through pro-Trump Republicans.

State Rep. Justin Heap had 42.4% support to 35.9% for Richer when The Associated Press called the race Wednesday morning. Don Hiatt, a candidate who worked in information management technology, took 21.8%.

Richer is an outspoken defender of Arizona’s election process and refused to toe-the-line on claims of voter fraud that spread after the 2020 and 2022 races.

Heap, a critic of Maricopa elections in years past, has dodged questions about whether the 2020 election was fraudulent. He was endorsed by many prominent Arizona Republicans who have refused to accept Joe Biden’s victory four years ago, including Kari Lake, who is running for US Senate this year after her failed 2022 gubernatorial campaign.

“I’m running for this office because Maricopa County’s elections made us a national laughing stock,” Heap said at the debate in late June.

Heap will now face Democrat Tim Stringham, who ran unopposed in his party’s primary, in the general election.

Who is Justin Heap?

Justin Heap is the current member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 10. He beat Stephen Richer in the Republican primary for Maricopa County recorder.

Heap has a Bachelor's Degree in History from Arizona State University and later pursued a Law Degree from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. Heap's career includes experience as a prosecutor and a civil liberties attorney.

Heap was elected to the Arizona State House in 2022, where he serves as Vice-Chair of both the Ways & Means Committee and the House Elections Committee.

Why is Justin Heap so controversial?

One significant issue surrounding Heap is his association with election denial rhetoric. While Heap has not explicitly stated that the 2020 or 2022 elections were stolen, he has been linked with groups and individuals known for such claims. For example, he is supported by members of the Arizona Freedom Caucus and has been endorsed by prominent election deniers.

Heap's stance on transparency and integrity in elections has also been questioned due to inconsistencies in his statements and actions. Critics point out that he has previously changed his political affiliation and has given conflicting views on former President Donald Trump, raising doubts about his current positions.

Heap's campaign has also been marked by disputes over the politicization of the Recorder's office. He has criticized the current Recorder, Stephen Richer, accusing him of politicizing the role, while Richer and other officials have defended their handling of election integrity and transparency