TL/DR –
Arizona State Representative Justin Heap, who won the primary for Maricopa County Recorder, has declined to participate in two scheduled debates with his Democratic opponent, Tim Stringham. Heap, who has pledged to bring transparency to Arizona’s elections, has not answered questions about whether he believes the state’s elections are rigged. Stringham, however, has promised to preserve early voting and will participate in the debates in Heap’s absence.
Arizona GOP Candidate Justin Heap Avoids Election Debates
State Rep. Justin Heap, the MAGA-affiliated Republican who defeated Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer in the primary, has consistently promised to enhance transparency and integrity in Arizona’s elections. Regrettably, he shows no intention of extending this transparency to Arizona’s voters.
Heap has avoided this week’s planned debates with his Democratic opponent, Tim Stringham. The two candidates were invited by KAET/PBS and the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to debate on Wednesday and Thursday. This would provide voters the chance to see two relatively unknown candidates vying for one of the county’s key election roles.
Heap’s Non-response to Debate Invitations
Stringham, a military veteran and U.S. Navy attorney running for office for the first time, agreed to both debates. Heap, on the other hand, did not respond to the invitations.
Heap has avoided answering questions about his belief in rigged Arizona’s elections all year. However, his supporters tend to believe in election fraud. Heap is a member of the hard-right Arizona Freedom Caucus and was encouraged to run for recorder by Sen. Jake Hoffman, the indicted fake elector who chairs the Freedom Caucus.
Heap’s Stance on Critical Election Issues
Heap has consistently favored bills that align with the MAGA movement, including proposals for hand counting of ballots and ending the state’s popular early voting program. Despite this, Heap has consistently avoided answering questions about his belief in the theft of the 2020 and 2022 elections.
Stringham, on the other hand, has vowed to maintain early voting, describing it as “the single easiest way to ensure you can exercise your right to vote, even as you try to raise your family, work multiple jobs, or run your own business.”
Ideally, Heap should answer why he supports a hand count of votes and faster election results when hand counts are notoriously inaccurate and would take weeks to complete. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand why he wants to eliminate the early voting program used by 80% to 90% of Arizona voters.
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