Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

An activist wearing a 'Lake for Governor' hat protests the election process in front of the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on Nov. 14, 2022. Jon Cherry/Getty Images

Arizona’s Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman has announced he will not seek reelection in November, making him the second Republican county supervisor to leave their post.

Mr. Hickman took office in 2013, replacing longtime former Supervisor Max Wilson after he retired. He currently represents District 4, which spans most of the northwest valley, including Wickenburg, Surprise, and Litchfield Park.

Although he will remain in office during the November election cycle, his term is set to end in early 2025.

During the 2020 presidential election, Mr. Hickman served as chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, a period when the results were widely disputed by former President Donald Trump, his allies, and supporters due to concerns over possible fraud and misconduct.

He is among some of the election officials who faced increased criticism and alleged death threats in the wake of both the 2020 presidential election–which ultimately saw President Joe Biden declared the winner–and the 2022 midterm elections.

In his announcement on Feb. 15, Mr. Hickman said he would like to spend more time with his wife and children, noting that “time is a valuable commodity.”

“My family has been gracious and unselfish in supporting me as I’ve campaigned, served, held town halls and breakfasts with constituents, been part of early morning and late-night meetings about county business, made decisions that brought significant attention and had a profound impact, all things that come with public service. I’m proud of this period of my life, but I want more time with my family,” he said.

‘Undivided Attention to My Wife’

“Therefore, I will not seek another term as the county supervisor representing District 4. I am choosing to give my undivided attention to my wife, children, family business, and friends. I couldn’t be more excited,” Mr. Hickman added.

The former election official thanked his constituents for trusting him “to serve our West Valley” over the years.

“Never forget the power you have as voters to choose your representatives. They can be people of courage and integrity who share your values and put the well-being of the community first. It’s my sincere hope that I’ve been that kind of public servant for you,” he concluded.

Mr. Hickman is a fourth-generation Arizonan and grew up in West Valley, according to his official biography. He was first appointed to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in March 2013 and was retained by District 4 voters in 2016 and re-elected to serve another four-year term in 2020.

Maricopa County ‘Losing a Remarkable Public Servant’

The Republican’s announcement that he will be leaving his post comes after Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates revealed last year that he would not be seeking re-election.

The election official’s decision came after he also faced criticism over his handling of both the 2020 presidential election and the 2022 midterms, including alleged harassment and threats, which he told The Washington Post had resulted in him suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Bill Gates, chair of the Maricopa Board of Supervisors, speaks about voting machine malfunctions at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov. 9, 2022. Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images

Voters across the county, which includes Phoenix and represents about 60 percent of Arizona’s population, reported widespread printer problems during both the 2020 presidential election and the 2022 midterm elections, resulting in their inability to get their ballots processed.

However, subsequent investigations determined the election results were ultimately reliable.

Mr. Gates welcomed Mr. Hickman’s announcement on Feb. 15, writing on X (formerly Twitter), that it has been “one of the greatest honors and privileges” of his career to serve with Mr. Hickman for over seven years.

“As chairman in 2020, Clint Hickman faced intense pressure from leaders of our party to disregard his oath and to refuse to certify the results in the presidential election,” Mr. Gates said. “Chairman Hickman’s courage in standing up to this pressure and his commitment to doing the right thing have inspired my colleagues and I to do the same.”

“Maricopa Country is losing a remarkable public servant in Clint Hickman but I hope he enjoys whatever adventure is next,” Mr. Gates concluded.