Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko Vows to Restore Trust in Elections

Lesko pledges independent audit and inclusive approach to address voter concerns.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Debbie Lesko, a Maricopa County Supervisor and former U.S. Congresswoman, is working to restore trust in the county's election processes. Lesko has approved funding for an independent audit of Maricopa's election equipment, software, and procedures to ensure integrity. She has also sought to unify all sides by facilitating tours of the elections department and listening to voter concerns, with the goal of making the process as transparent as possible.

Why it matters

As one of the largest counties in the U.S., Maricopa County's elections are seen as a bellwether for the nation. Lesko's efforts to address voter trust and implement reforms could serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to strengthen election integrity.

The details

Lesko has approved two independent audits of Maricopa County's elections - a technology audit to ensure equipment and software were not tampered with, and a comprehensive review of processes like chain of custody, physical security, and drop box security. She has also worked to build bridges with all sides, facilitating tours of the elections department and soliciting feedback to ensure everyone feels they have a voice.

  • Lesko took office on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in early 2023.
  • The independent audits were approved and launched shortly after Lesko took office.
  • Lesko has been facilitating tours of the elections department over the past year.

The players

Debbie Lesko

A Maricopa County Supervisor and former U.S. Congresswoman who is working to restore trust in the county's elections.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

The governing body that approved funding for the independent audits of the county's elections.

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What they’re saying

“I look forward to seeing the results of this review.”

— Debbie Lesko, Maricopa County Supervisor (americafirstreport.com)

“To build back trust in the integrity of our elections, we can't be dismissive of people simply because they are too opinionated or we may not agree with them. Rather, we must be inclusive of all these viewpoints and ensure that everyone feels like they have a seat at the table to fix what may be wrong with our elections.”

— Debbie Lesko, Maricopa County Supervisor (americafirstreport.com)

What’s next

The independent audits of Maricopa County's elections are expected to be completed in the coming months, with the results set to be released publicly.

The takeaway

Lesko's efforts to address voter concerns, implement independent audits, and foster an inclusive process in Maricopa County could serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to strengthen election integrity and rebuild public trust in the democratic process.