Gila Herald Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY — Early voting is officially underway in Graham County for the 2026 primary election. County Recorder offices have begun mailing out early ballots to residents on the Active Early Voter List (AEVL), and in-person early voting is now open.
Following legislative updates under HB2022, Arizona’s primary election will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Voters looking to cast their ballots ahead of the mid-summer election day have until July 10 to request an early ballot by mail, while the final day to vote early in person at the county recorder’s office is July 17.
Here is a breakdown of the local and municipal candidates vying for your vote on the partisan and nonpartisan ballots.
Partisan Races (Republican & Democratic Primary Candidates)
While state legislative and federal congressional races feature competitive fields across both major parties, local Graham County partisan seats are heavily dominated by the Republican ticket this cycle.
Graham County Justice of the Peace (At-Large)
Voters will decide on one seat for the Justice of the Peace. There are no Democratic candidates filed for this position, making the Republican primary the definitive race for the office:
- Stephanie Newton (R): Campaigning on a platform of judicial efficiency, community visibility, and strict adherence to constitutional law.
- Michael Andazola (R): Running with a focus on local institutional experience, bringing a background focused on local legal consistency and service to the Gila Valley.
Graham County Clerk of the Superior Court
- Heidi Torrio (R): Incumbent Heidi Torrio is running unopposed on the partisan ticket, securing her path to the general election ballot to continue her work managing county court records and administration.
Graham County Superior Court Judge
- Michael Peterson: Sitting Superior Court Judge Michael Peterson is running unopposed to retain his judicial seat.
Nonpartisan Municipal Races
Municipal city and town council seats appear on the nonpartisan portion of the ballot. Because these municipal races do not divide by political party, they are open to all registered voters during the primary window.
Safford City Council (Vote for 3)
Six candidates are competing for three open seats on the Safford City Council, emphasizing infrastructure, local small-business growth, and community resources:
- Arnold Lopez: An experienced incumbent bringing consistent civic leadership to the council.
- Steve McGaughey: Focused on municipal development and managed economic growth.
- Luke Arbizo: Campaigning on community-first initiatives and neighborhood safety.
- Mary Bingham: Focused on community outreach and family-centric public spaces.
- Monique Ungerman: Advocating for transparency and structural upgrades to city services.
- Jacob Garcia: Bringing a fresh perspective focused on future generations and local retention.
Thatcher Town Council (Vote for 3)
Five candidates are running for three available spots on the Thatcher Town Council, navigating the town’s steady residential and commercial expansion:
- Jenny Howard: Emphasizing thoughtful zoning, public safety, and neighborhood connectivity.
- Mike McEuen: Focused on fiscal responsibility and maximizing local tax dollars.
- Ryan Allen: Bringing a business-minded approach to Thatcher’s expanding commercial footprint.
- Erick Wright: Prioritizing utility efficiency and infrastructure maintenance.
- Brandon Homer: Advocating for public recreation and enhanced community programs.
Pima Town Council (Vote for 2)
With two seats available, the Pima race is uncontested on the primary ballot, ensuring both candidates move forward:
- Brian Paull: Focused on managing rural growth while preserving Pima’s tight-knit community feel.
- Teresa Bailey: Prioritizing street maintenance, public parks, and local youth initiatives.
Important Voting Deadlines to Remember
- June 24, 2026: Early voting begins / Early ballots mailed out.
- July 10, 2026: Last day to request an early ballot by mail.
- July 17, 2026: Last day to vote early in person.
- July 21, 2026: Primary Election Day (Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Independent voters who are registered on the AEVL will receive a postcard allowing them to choose either a Democratic or a Republican partisan ballot for this primary cycle. For questions regarding your registration or to locate an early voting site, contact the Graham County Recorder’s Office at 928-428-3560.
