On Thursday, Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman announced he will not be seeking re-election.
The controversial supervisor said he was “proud of this period” of his life but wants to spend more time with his family.
“My family has been gracious and unselfish in supporting me as I’ve campaigned, served, held town halls and breakfasts with constituents, been part of early morning and late-night meetings about county business, made decisions that brought significant attention and had profound impact—all things that come with public service,” Hickman said.
Rumors are flying as to who might jump into the race.
Brian Anderson, of Saguaro Group and Arizona Capitol Oversight tweeted:
“Hearing rumors that @GinaGodbehere is considering dropping her #MCAO bid to run for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors instead. Less of an impossible uphill battle,” to which Barrett Marson, of Marson Media responded, “I’ve already heard a few names for Clint Hickman’s @maricopacounty Board seat. But the most interesting one: @RepDLesko The commute would be far shorter and no one can doubt the conservative record.”
Hearing rumors that @GinaGodbehere is considering dropping her #MCAO bid to run for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors instead. Less of an impossible uphill battlehttps://t.co/fCFR5FyHCS
— Brian Anderson (@AZBrianAnderson) February 15, 2024
News of Hickman’s decision appears to have been anticipated by other candidates. Bob Branch, a frequent candidate for public office who was running for State Senate in LD25, abandoned his long shot challenge to State Representative Tim Dunn to run for the Supervisor seat a week ago, on February 8th. And Suprise Councilman Jack Hastings filed his statement of interest back on January 19th. Others who are being mentioned or are reportedly making calls to solicit support include former County School Superintendent Sandra Dowling, former State Representative Joanne Osborne, and political consultant Kim Owens, whose family is close with the Hickmans.
Hickman and his fellow supervisors have been shrouded in controversy as they continue to attempt to defend the botched 2022 election, which disenfranchised unknown number of voters who were unable to vote on Election Day due to mismanagement leading to broken election equipment across the county.
Of course, the supervisors were first thrust into the national spotlight in the wake of the 2020 election loss by former President Donald Trump. Trump asserted that he was cheated in that election, prompting endless conspiracy theories including one involving the Hickman family chicken farm.
That debunked theory held that ballots for Trump were destroyed in a fire that killed thousands of chickens on the Hickman commercial egg farm.
Supervisor Bill Gates, who is also not seeking re-election due to a lack of voter support, issued a statement of support for Hickman on X.com, saying it was a privilege to serve with him for the past 7+ years.
My statement on my friend Clint Hickman's decision to not seek another term representing District 4. pic.twitter.com/8s3ypIkQjo
— Bill Gates (@billgatesaz) February 15, 2024