Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Today is the primary election. Votes will be tallied by the Graham County Election Director Judy Dickerson and staff at the General Services Building after the polls close.
By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – While it may just be a warm-up for some, other candidates are bracing for a tough day during the primary election Tuesday, Aug. 28.
Graham County has six vote centers and any registered voter can vote at any of the centers. Click here to see a list of the centers and where they are located. There are also vote centers in Bylas, San Carlos, and Bonita. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day.
Listed below are some of those up for election in Graham County and the state.
Graham County
There are no contested races in the Graham County positions as Superior Court Judge Michael D. Peterson, Justice of the Peace Precinct #1 Gary Griffith and Justice of the Peace Precinct #2 Wyatt J. Palmer (all Republicans) are all running unopposed.
Heidi Torrio (Democrat) and Cindy Woodman (Republican) are vying for the Clerk of the Superior Court, but since they are in two different parties the race won’t be settled until the general election in November.
Safford
Safford Mayor Jason Kouts is running unopposed and three incumbents, Gene Seale, Steve McGaughey, and Arnold Lopez, are looking for re-election to the Safford City Council, while newcomer Brad Hemphill aims to nab one of the three seats up for election.
Thatcher
With three seats open, incumbents Ryan Rapier and Heston Welker look to be re-elected, while newcomers Jenny Howard, Sam Daley, and Eddy Carlton hope to score spots on the Thatcher Town Council.
Pima
Incumbents on the Pima Town Council, Vice Mayor Dale Rogers and Deborah Barr, are running unopposed.
Arizona State Candidates
U.S. Senator
On the Republican side, Joe Arpaio, Kelli Ward, and Martha McSally are vying for their party’s nomination, with write-in candidates William Gonzales and Nicholas N. Glenn also available for the ballot.
On the Democrat side, Kyrsten Sinema faces off against Deedra Abboud.
U.S. Representative District 1
On the Republican side, Wendy Rogers, Steve Smith, and Tiffany Shedd are seeking their parties nomination, while Democrat incumbent Tom O’Halleran is running unopposed.
Governor
Incumbent Doug Ducey (Republican) hopes to dash his opponents, Ken Bennett and write-in candidate Robert Weber.
On the Democrat side, Steve Farley, David Garcia, Kelly Fryer, and write-in candidate Mirza Fareed Baig hope to get their party’s nomination.
Secretary of State
Incumbent Michele Reagan hopes to ward off Steve Gaynor on the Republican side, while Democrat Katie Hobbs is unopposed.
Attorney General
Mark Brnovich (Republican) and January Contreras (Democrat) are unopposed and will meet each other in the general election in November.
State Senator District 14
Since Gail Griffin was term-limited, she decided to do the old switcheroo with Drew John and the freshman representative is looking to win his party’s nomination for the seat over former Rep. David Gowan and Lori Kilpatrick.
