Maricopa County Supervisors Clash with Recorder Over Testimony

Two supervisors say they won't vote to oust Recorder Justin Heap if he refuses to testify about voter disenfranchisement allegations.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to require Recorder Justin Heap to testify in person and under oath at a hearing this week about voter disenfranchisement allegations made by his staff and other election-related matters. However, two Republican supervisors have said they will not vote to remove Heap from office if he refuses to testify, citing concerns about the process and timing of the hearing.

Why it matters

This clash between the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the elected County Recorder highlights ongoing tensions over control of the county's election processes. The allegations of voter disenfranchisement have raised concerns about election integrity, while the supervisors' move to compel Heap's testimony has been seen by some as a power struggle between the elected officials.

The details

The Board of Supervisors voted to require Recorder Justin Heap to testify under oath at a hearing on Wednesday, citing a state statute that gives the board authority to remove a county officer who refuses to report to it. However, two Republican supervisors, Mark Stewart and Debbie Lesko, have said they will not vote to remove Heap even if he refuses to testify. Stewart has also retained independent legal counsel to review the dispute between the board and Heap over control of the county's election processes.

  • The Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 last week to require Heap to testify at a hearing on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Two days after the vote, Supervisor Stewart sent a letter to the board chair asking to postpone the hearing and combine it with a February 23 meeting.

The players

Justin Heap

The Maricopa County Recorder, a Republican who was elected in 2024.

Mark Stewart

The Republican District 1 Supervisor on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Kate Brophy McGee

The Chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Debbie Lesko

The Republican District 4 Supervisor on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Stephen Richer

The former Maricopa County Recorder who was defeated by Heap in the 2024 Republican primary.

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What they’re saying

“I vehemently reject any notion that this meeting could or should be used to remove the recorder. That is an absolute nonstarter for my office and inappropriate at any level.”

— Mark Stewart, Maricopa County Supervisor (ktar.com)

“However, he should explain why his chief said they were disenfranchising voters, when Heap said they weren't.”

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

What’s next

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, where they have required Recorder Justin Heap to testify under oath about the allegations of voter disenfranchisement and other election-related matters.

The takeaway

This dispute between the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the elected County Recorder highlights the ongoing tensions over control of election processes and the balance of power between different elected officials. The allegations of voter disenfranchisement and the supervisors' move to compel Heap's testimony have raised concerns about election integrity and the political dynamics at play.