(The Center Square)– The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors elected Supervisor Jack Sellers to be its next chairman.
As Maricopa County is considered the nation’s “second largest voting jurisdiction” and is extremely competitive, Sellers said he’s focused on election operations this year.
“My highest priority in 2024 is to provide our county elections team with the resources and support they need to continue administering lawful, free, and fair elections in March, August and November,” Sellers said in his State of the County address on Wednesday.
He also expressed support for people who work for the county, including those who may be subject to criticism.
“We have your back,” Sellers, who represents the county’s 1st District, said.
“If you’re one of the county departments that’s under constant attack, I’m sorry,” he said. “It’s fair for the public to hold us accountable, but no one should have to endure abuse.”
Sellers was chosen by the board unanimously to succeed Supervisor Clint Hickman as chairman. The board is made up of four Republicans and one Democrat, Steve Gallardo.
The Board of Supervisors and election officials in Maricopa County continue to be the subject of intense scrutiny after the 2020 and 2022 elections. Election Day in 2022 was met with ballot printer issues in the county, which later became the subject of lawsuits by Republican candidates like Kari Lake seeking to overturn the election results, according to Votebeat.
Besides elections, Sellers also focused on financial issues. He noted that the state of Arizona is expected to have a budget shortfall this year, as The Center Square previously reported, and how the county should be preparing for that.
“Being mindful that the state is facing revenue shortfalls, we must be vigilant to ensure that their budget solutions don’t adversely impact our county services,” Sellers said.
“I will be working closely with elected leaders and department heads in the coming months to craft a countywide budget that is impactful, efficient, conservative, and laser-focused on countywide strategic priorities, not pet projects,” he continued.