PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. — Pima County's recount of election results in the sheriff's race shows incumbent Chris Nanos narrowly won over Republican Heather Lappin.
Nanos won the competitive race by only 481 votes over Lappin, according to recount results released on Friday. The sheriff's race was close enough to trigger an automatic recount under Arizona's election laws.
Nanos and Happin both gained more votes during the recount as a result of changes in ballots being categorized as "overvotes" and "undervotes," records show.
Nanos, a Democrat, thanked the residents of Pima County and said he'll spend the next few months implementing new ideas to improve the sheriff's department.
"It is a true honor to serve as your Sheriff once again," Nanos said in a statement on Friday. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead and work alongside the dedicated members of our department."
The sheriff's race generated some controversy in the weeks leading up to the election after Lappin was placed on leave from the sheriff's department in October.
Lappin released the following statement on Friday after the recount results were released:
"The final vote count for the Pima County Sheriff election reveals a narrow victory for Sheriff Nanos, with a margin of just 481 votes. To put this into perspective, it's less than 1/10th of 1% of the total votes cast in Pima County.
I firmly believe that Sheriff Nanos's decision to place me on administrative leave influenced the election outcome, and tarnished my reputation. In spite of using his official role to do this, Sheriff Nanos will now serve another term as Pima County Sheriff.
As we move forward, I hope that Sheriff Nanos will decide to prioritize the well-being and safety of our community, address the internal issues plaguing our department, and work towards healing the divisions that have grown over the past few years. It's clear that nearly half of Pima County voters desire a change in law enforcement leadership focus. I am willing to be part of this and to assist leadership in whatever way I can."