Republican Rodney Glassman is no stranger to Arizona politics. He is in a primary fight against Senate President Warren Petersen, and his campaign has drawn support from longtime Arizona conservatives. In an exclusive interview with the Arizona Globe, Stacie Sheridan, wife of Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan and volunteer grassroots coordinator for the Glassman campaign, said her confidence in Glassman is rooted not just in their personal friendship, but in his values and qualifications.

“It’s not just our personal friendship,” Sheridan said. “I know he’s a conservative and the best person for the job.” She added, “He comes from a conservative family. His values are conservative.”

Sheridan confirmed that both her husband and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne are serving as co-chairs of the campaign, and that neither receives any salary for their roles. The Sheridans have known Glassman for more than a decade, and Sheridan described him as a family man who brings both military and legal experience to the race. A passionate and effective surrogate, she has been making the case for Glassman across the grassroots.

Critics have raised questions about Glassman’s time as a Democrat in Pima County and his decision to hold a fundraiser in San Diego. Sheridan dismissed both concerns. She explained that Glassman was young when he registered as a Democrat, noting, “Look at Reagan, Tulsi Gabbard, even Donald Trump — they were once Democrats too. It’s a non-issue.” Glassman has explained his stint as a Democrat as being a young college kid in Tucson.

As for the fundraiser, Sheridan said it was her advice to hold the event out of state. “Over the summer, people leave Arizona. Many of the legislative districts don’t even meet. The fundraiser in San Diego was mostly Arizona residents who vacation there. We had to go there to find them.”

Sheridan emphasized Glassman’s leadership credentials, pointing to his service as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Air Force JAG program and his work managing a private practice. “Rodney has been able to raise a lot of money for the attorney general race,” she said. “Because of his record, he is ready to lead on Day One. It’s going to take someone with real leadership and experience to right the ship at the AG’s office.”

Mrs. Sheridan said that Glassman plans to hit the campaign trail hard in the coming months and welcomes grassroots venues across Arizona. She acknowledged that many people have preconceived notions, but added, “When they see his résumé and hear him speak, he is able to win their vote.”