• THIS WEEK IN YEE–Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell’s office has dismissed Republican Kimberly Yee’s complaint against Democratic Superintendent-elect Teresa Leyba Ruiz, finding no evidence that Ruiz violated state law by campaigning during school visits. Yee had accused Ruiz of improperly using public school resources after her campaign published photos and videos of visits with teachers and students.

This week, former Republican treasurer candidate Elijah Norton filed a defamation lawsuit against  Yee,  the outgoing state treasurer, seeking more than $2.6 million. The filing, first reported Wednesday, alleges Yee spread false claims about Norton’s personal life and threatened behavior after he refused to contribute money to a political organization she supported. Norton also alleges Yee recruited Katherine Haley to challenge him in the Republican primary.

The complaint names Congressman David Schweikert as someone who allegedly warned Norton about Yee’s statements. Norton says he may file a separate suit against Haley’s campaign next week. Yee posted a farewell statement on Twitter this morning vowing to continue to “protect our country’s foundational principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Yeesh.

•HOBBS CHANGES TOP LIEUTENANT–Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Thursday that Chief of Staff Chad Campbell will leave her administration at the end of November, with co-chief legal officer Kori Lorick taking over. Lorick previously served as state elections director under Hobbs during the 2022 election. Campbell, a former Democratic legislative leader, has been chief of staff since 2023. Hobbs’ spokesperson said it was simply time for Campbell to move on. Campbell told KJZZ that he’d announce his next move soon.

• TEN VOTES SEPARATE SAN LUIS MAYORAL CANDIDATES–Final unofficial results released Thursday put James Allen Jr. ahead of former San Luis councilman Matias Rosales by just 10 votes, 2,612 to 2,602. Yuma County Recorder David Lara confirmed to KAWC that the race will undergo an automatic recount after the canvass, scheduled for Monday, November 16. The court will determine when the recount occurs. The winner will succeed Mayor Nieves Riedel, who didn’t seek reelection and failed to advance in a City Council race. There’s more border-town electoral suspense nearby: Somerton’s second council seat is also headed for a recount, with Brian Lopez leading incumbent Vice Mayor Juan Castillo by 24 votes.

• SUNDARESHAN CONFIRMS ABORTION-LAWSUIT EXIT PLAN–Axios published a fresh interview Friday morning in which Senate President-elect Priya Sundareshan said Democrats “will certainly be ending the litigation” defending Arizona abortion restrictions. Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office believes a county attorney may be able to intervene to defend the restrictions after legislative leaders withdraw, while Center for Arizona Policy president Peter Gentala says his organization won’t intervene. A December 17 appellate hearing about the restrictions remains on the books.