FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. — Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has qualified to be on the ballot for mayor of Fountain Hills, a statement from his office said.
Arpaio's office said he received 565 signatures on his nominating petition. Only 297 were required.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Joe Arpaio califica para estar en la boleta electoral para alcalde de Fountain Hills
“I am extremely thankful and honored with the support coming from the citizens," Arpaio said. "Fountain Hills has been lacking leadership, and that trend continues to the present time. I decided to run for mayor because of my proven ability, leadership, and wisdom. If the voters give me the opportunity, I will continue to defend, support, and protect the people of Fountain Hills."
Arpaio, who is 91, is returning to the ballot after narrowly losing the previous election for Fountain Hills mayor by 213 votes in 2022.
When he was sheriff, Arpaio was found in both civil and criminal contempt for disobeying a 2011 order to stop his traffic patrols that targeted immigrants. He was spared a possible jail sentence when his misdemeanor conviction was pardoned by then-President Donald Trump in 2017.
His defiance in the profile case contributed significantly to his defeat by Paul Penzone after 24 years in office.
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