LD3 GOP Advances Reim, Ugenti-Rita, Khalaf for Chaplik Seat

Republican precinct committee members in Arizona’s Legislative District 3 (Maricopa County) gathered Monday night to fill the House vacancy created by Joseph Chaplik’s resignation. They ultimately advanced Cody Reim, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, and George Khalaf as the three finalists whose names will now be forwarded to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for appointment. Chaplik resigned his Arizona House seat to prepare his run for Congress in Arizona’s First Congressional District (CD1).

Under Arizona law, legislative vacancies are not filled through a special election. Instead, the political party of the departing legislator nominates three candidates, in this case, the GOP, and the County Board of Supervisors (BOS) selects one of those nominees to serve the remainder of Chaplik’s term. Because Chaplik is a Republican, GOP precinct committee members residing in Legislative District 3 met on March 9 to begin that process.

Turnout was significant, with 238 precinct committee members attending in person, and approximately 80 voting by proxy, bringing the total number of participating votes to more than 300. Early in the meeting, members approved a procedural motion to amend the voting rules to remove the requirement that voters show identification when casting ballots during the internal party vote. The motion passed, after which the meeting rules and agenda were adopted. Despite previously being banned by the Maricopa County Republican Committee, Candace Czarny, Carrie Cox, and Susan Wood were credentialed and admitted into the meeting without issue.

Five candidates were initially nominated. Chris Brandt nominated Jay Schlum, seconded by Bo James, and Schlum accepted the nomination. Tim Howard then nominated Tom Walsh, a choice seconded by Stan Pelcher, before Walsh accepted. Kevin Maldonado nominated George Khalaf, who received multiple seconds before accepting the nomination. Annabella Gomez nominated Cody Reim, a move seconded by Maldonado, after which Rine accepted. Finally, Ashley Earle nominated Michelle Ugenti-Rita, and Allen Skillicorn seconded it. Ugenti-Rita also accepted.

During the meeting, Scottsdale City Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas asked each candidate what their first action would be if appointed to the Legislature.

Reim stated that he would begin by voting on bills and working on the state budget while ensuring legislation aligns with the Constitution. Ugenti-Rita said she would begin by thoroughly reviewing every bill. Schlum stated he would work alongside current legislative leaders while focusing on limiting government. Walsh said he would read up on pending legislation and meet with fellow Republicans to develop a strategy. Finally, Khalaf said he would focus on getting updated on all bills currently moving through the Legislature and gaining an understanding of the budget negotiations.

Alexander Kolodin, who represents Legislative District 3 and is a candidate for Arizona Secretary of State, briefly addressed the crowd during the meeting. Sergio Arellano, the current chair of the Arizona Republican Party, also spoke to attendees. Following the vote, precinct committee members selected Cody Reim (219 votes), Michelle Ugenti-Rita (238 votes), and George Khalaf (268 votes) as the three candidates to advance, based on the number of votes each received.

Congratulations to George Khalaf, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, and Cody Reim, who were nominated today by the Precinct Committeemen of Legislative District 3.

Our party is strongest when our grassroots are engaged, and today LD3’s PCs showed exactly why that matters.

I’m confident… pic.twitter.com/xxiv7wllPW

— Sergio Arellano (@SurgeShow) March 10, 2026

Ugenti-Rita has previously served in the Arizona Legislature representing District 3, while Khalaf has been a longtime political strategist active in Arizona’s GOP circles. Their names will now be forwarded to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Under Arizona law, the board must appoint one of the three nominees to fill the Legislative District 3 seat within 14 calendar days. The selected candidate will then serve the remainder of Chaplik’s current term in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Photos, L to R: Cody Reim, George Khalaf, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, Jay Schlum, Tom Walsh (All photos by Christy Kelly for Arizona Globe). Click for full-size images.