Recall Push Builds Around Sheriff in Guthrie Case

Republican congressional candidate Daniel Butierez says he has begun the effort to recall Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A drive to recall Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is taking shape as anger over the Nancy Guthrie investigation spills into local politics. Republican congressional candidate Daniel Butierez says he has begun the effort and is assembling volunteers to try to force Nanos from office, citing frustration from deputies and residents over the unsolved disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie.

Why it matters

The recall push highlights growing public frustration over the handling of the Guthrie case and broader concerns about Nanos' leadership as sheriff. The effort could have significant political implications, especially with Butierez, a Republican candidate, leading the charge.

The details

Butierez says he moved ahead with the recall effort after hearing from frustrated deputies and residents who had lost confidence in Nanos. He described the recall push as bipartisan and said he already had about 500 volunteers and five notaries ready to help gather signatures. Butierez tied the effort directly to the Guthrie case and to broader questions about Nanos' leadership, including new scrutiny of the sheriff's employment history.

  • The recall effort began in March 2026.
  • Butierez says he has received a serial number and has 120 days to collect signatures for the recall.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who is the target of the recall effort.

Daniel Butierez

A Republican congressional candidate who has begun the effort to recall Sheriff Nanos.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, whose disappearance has fueled the recall push.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the "Today" show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.