U.S. Representative Debbie Lesko is looking to keep working, but closer to home.
The Congresswoman surprised many when she announced her retirement from Congress earlier this year, but stunned many more when she announced she will run for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Lesko’s announced her interest in the Board of Supervisors within hours of Supervisor Clint Hickman’s announcement that he would not seek reelection.
The unpopular Hickman, a Republican, had little chance of winning his party’s nomination in this year’s primary, and had three opponents already filed and running.
Lesko is expected to win the Republican Primary handily in Maricopa County’s District 4, which leans conservative and has supported her since she was in the Arizona State Legislature. Also in the race is Robert Canterbury, Surprise City Councilman Jack Hastings, and frequent candidate Bob Branch, who recently gave up his run for State Senate to pursue the Supervisor seat instead.
Lesko, who earned a reputation as a center-right member of Congress, may move the Board to the right relative to Hickman, but the two are friends and allies and many observers do not anticipate much change if and when Lesko is elected.
“Lesko always governs more moderately than she campaigns, so don’t expect any major changes.” said one political operative who believes Lesko is essentially a lock to win. “Remember, she ran as a Freedom Caucus candidate for Congress and voted against them almost immediately. So while I think she may be stronger on some of the election stuff than Hickman was, and she’s vocally pro-Trump, don’t expect major changes in the County.”
For her part, Lesko graciously gave Hickman a shout out on X.com on Friday, thanking him for his service.
“Thank you Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman for your service to the great people in the West Valley and Maricopa County! I wish you and your family many blessings in your future endeavors. Your work for the people in the West Valley will be remembered.”
Lesko has represented Arizona’s 8th Congressional District since winning a special election for the seat in 2018.