Grijalva’s Passing Highlights Heap, Board of Sups Dispute

The recent passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva has escalated the ongoing battle between Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors over election administration responsibility. The dispute began in October 2024 when outgoing Recorder Stephen Richer and the previous Board approved a Shared Services Agreement (SSA) transferring election duties to the Board. Heap, who took office in January, called it a “backroom, lame-duck power grab” and nullified the agreement upon assuming office.

With a special election looming for CD7, urgency is mounting for a final determination of responsibility. Heap’s Chief of Staff, Sam Stone, confirmed that a preliminary meeting between Supervisor Thomas Galvin and Heap had occurred without reaching an agreement. “There are about 59,000 Maricopa votes in CD7,” Stone said, acknowledging Maricopa County’s connection to the special election.

On March 4, 2025, the Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) Executive Guidance Committee passed a resolution of no confidence in Galvin, criticizing his abrupt adjournment of a February 26, 2025, meeting and his role in stripping Heap of election oversight. The MCRC is calling for Galvin’s ouster as chairman and a rescission of the October 2024 agreement.

Arizona law requires a special primary election within 120-133 days of a congressional vacancy, followed by a special general election 70-80 days later. Stone noted, “Hobbs could call for a traditional election or all mail ballots, we won’t know more until her announcement.”

The Globe previously reported on the dispute and the contentious February 26, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting. This is a developing story.