A candidate for Maricopa County’s Manistee Justice Court district, Lennie McCloskey, has been accused of abusing the legal system after filing what has been described as a frivolous lawsuit in an effort to knock a fellow Republican off the ballot.
McCloskey, who retired as constable for the Manistee District after he was found not to live in the area that he was elected to serve, according to The Glendale Star, attempted to have the courts remove Lizbeth Feria from the ballot with a legal challenge. McCloskey was forced to abandon the frivolous case after Feria responded to it.
A political consultant, asked about the failed complaint, said that it was not unusual for political candidates to attempt Hail Mary legal strategies, but that it was an obviously bad look for a judicial candidate to get a court case so glaringly wrong at the outset of his campaign. “Elect me judge and ignore my courtroom failures can be a tough sell.”
Feria is aiming to bring both fresh perspective and seasoned legal experience to a role often filled by non-lawyers. Liz, as she is known by her friends, is a longtime Glendale resident. She is running for the Justice of the Peace bench, emphasizing a blend of professional expertise and community involvement.
JPs are unique judicial positions because they do not require a law degree. As a result, lots of candidates run without a legal background, which makes the work more challenging. Feria enters the race with more than a decade of experience in the legal system, public administration, and community advocacy. She previously served as a Senior Courtroom Clerk and Deputy Clerk at the Superior Court level, where she worked closely with judges, managed filings, and ensured courtroom procedures adhered to legal standards. That experience, she says, provided a strong foundation in due process, judicial neutrality, and the importance of treating all parties with respect.
Feria holds a Master of Legal Studies from the University of Arizona and is a Certified Legal Document Preparer and Notary Public. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, focused on translation and interpretation.
Beyond her professional credentials, Feria has deep ties to the community. She serves on the Glendale Arts Commission, where she was elected chair for 2026, and volunteers monthly at a local food distribution program.
Running on a platform of efficiency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law, Feria says she hopes to modernize court operations while ensuring victims are heard and all litigants are treated with dignity.
“Justice should be accessible, not overwhelming; people deserve clear processes and real support, especially those representing themselves, who make up the majority of individuals in justice courts,” Feria said. “I’m also committed to strengthening Veterans Treatment Court programs, so those who have served our country receive the support, accountability, and second chances they deserve.”
With Democrat Alberto Bravo withdrawing from the race, Feria now faces only McCloskey in the GOP primary.
Politicos say that if courtroom scoreboards count, Feria has the early lead.
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