As expected, Arizona State Rep. Justin Heap is defeating Stephen Richer in the Republican Primary race for Maricopa County Recorder.
Richer, the current Maricopa County Recorder is narrowly behind the popular lawmaker.
Heap has 108,550 (40.7%) votes, compared to Richer’s 101,869 (38.2%) votes.
Consultants say Richer’s disdain for the public and his fellow Republicans made him a target for a primary challenge. His decision to support President Joe Biden this year sealed his fate according to conservative Republican primary voters.
The race is still too close to call, but experts expect Richer to fall further behind once Election Day ballots are counted later on tonight.