The attorney who headed the election integrity unit under former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is joining Republican Abe Hamadeh’s legal team in the ongoing effort to secure an accurate accounting of ballots across the state in the attorney general’s race.
Jennifer Wright brings her expertise to the legal fight for a review of hundreds of uncounted 2022 General Election ballots across the state, including a full reconciliation of ballots in Pinal County, where hundreds of ballots were initially overlooked in the county’s canvass.
“Jen is an election attorney powerhouse who worked tirelessly in Attorney General Brnovich’s office to make sure we had confidence and integrity in our elections,” said Hamadeh, who is currently 280 votes short to Mayes following a statewide recount announced Dec. 29. “I’m honored that she’s joining our election contest for the closest race in Arizona history where there are still hundreds of uncounted ballots.
Hamadeh had his election challenge denied Dec. 23 by Judge Lee Jantzen of the Mohave County Superior Court with Mayes’ pre-recount margin of victory at 511 votes. But Hamadeh’s attorneys and the judge did not know at the time that then-Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, her staff, and her attorneys knew of irregularities with ballot counts in Pinal County.
In his motion for a new evidentiary trial, Hamadeh’s attorneys are pushing for access to uncounted ballots in an effort to ensure every legitimate vote is counted. It is one reason Wright’s involvement is welcomed by Hamadeh.
Jen Wright, former AZ Assistant Attorney General, discusses the initiation of the defamation lawsuit from comments https://t.co/dyFTZeWYR6
— James T Harris (@JamesTHarris) January 18, 2023
“Democracy demands accurate results in our elections and I know Jen will fight relentlessly to make sure every voter’s voice is heard.”
Wright says Hamadeh’s legal team was not given a fair and full trial due in part to a greatly limited discovery period. She is pleased to join his push for a transparent and accurate election.
“Not only do I believe Abe is right, but I also believe that he will be successful in his election contest and that is why I have joined this fight,” she said. “The evidence is clear coming out of Pinal County – Katie Hobbs and her attorneys were hiding evidence.”
Hamadeh filed for a new trial on Jan. 3. His legal team will now be able to litigate issues more clearly and present a full scope of evidence, which Wright believes will result in a victory for Hamadeh.
“I look forward to getting Kris Mayes out of the office she should have never occupied in the first place,” said Wright.
Meanwhile, Jantzen is expected to issue a ruling shortly on several motions filed in Hamadeh’s election challenge about payment for the ballot inspectors who assisted in providing evidence for the evidentiary trial.
There is legal precedent in Arizona for removing an officeholder after the swearing in ceremony. In 1997, a Yuma County Board of Supervisor was removed from office after an election contest provided evidence that someone else had actually received the most votes.
And in 1917, Gov. Thomas Campbell was sworn into office only to be removed before year-end after it was determined he actually lost by 43 votes in November 1917.
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