Once again, a court has sided with Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap in the ongoing battle with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court issued an order directing expedited briefing in Heap’s Special Action challenging the Court of Appeals’ stay and signaling continued review of the proper allocation of election responsibilities under Arizona law.
The Court modified the existing stay to allow the Superior Court to resume court-supported settlement proceedings between the parties.
Earlier this month, the Superior Court proposed mediation before a neutral mediator. Heap agreed to participate and sought a negotiated resolution, but the Board of Supervisors withdrew from that process. The Supreme Court’s order now clears the way for those court-supported discussions to move forward.
The Court also requested briefing on whether targeted interim relief can be implemented for the 2026 Primary Election rather than maintaining an all-or-nothing approach.
Heap says his office has already presented a comprehensive operational framework. He claims it demonstrates that Arizona law can be faithfully implemented without disrupting voters or election administration. That proposal preserves continuity for voters while ensuring each office performs the responsibilities assigned to it by statute.
“Our office has consistently pursued practical solutions that protect voters and follow the law,” Heap said. “We welcomed mediation, we developed a detailed transition plan, and we remain prepared to implement a lawful division of responsibilities without disrupting the upcoming election. We are encouraged that the Supreme Court is carefully considering those options.”
Despite Heap’s efforts to resolve the dispute and the courts’ rulings in his favor, the Board has pursued litigation time and again.
Heap says he is determined to find “workable solutions,” and remains committed to reaching an agreement if possible.
Instead of mediation, board members have taken to social media to blast Heap.
Supervisor Debbie Lesko has been accused of escalating the dispute rather than working with Heap. In the daily installment of her social media diatribe, Lesko tweeted, “Apparently, Recorder Heap is afraid of meeting with two grandmas. He has said NO to @KateMcGeeAZ and my May 20th and June 18th invites to meet, saying he doesn’t want recorded or public meetings.”
Apparently, Recorder Heap is afraid of meeting with two grandmas. He has said NO to @KateMcGeeAZ and my May 20th and June 18th invites to meet saying he doesn't want recorded or public meetings. https://t.co/CMX1LJx3kX
— Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) June 23, 2026
Fellow board member Thomas Galvin disputed the characterization of the ruling as a win for Heap.
“Heap falsely says the AZ Sup Crt granted his petition,” tweeted Galvin. “Justin, you can’t lie to the public about election litigation. The court said it wasn’t granting/ denying the petition. “This Court will decide whether to accept special action jurisdiction without oral argument.”
However, the court ordered a modification of the Stay Order “to allow the parties and the superior court to engage in settlement discussions and proceedings, including a settlement conference,” which is essentially what Heap had sought.
Well, at least the AZ SC is handling the time-sensitive case on a properly expedited basis, meanwhile encouraging the resumption of settlement talks. I expect they hope MCBOS will take the hint, settle sensibly with their duly elected and AZ Constitutionally-empowered Recorder, and spare the SC having to decide this hot potato themselves. MCBOS seems immune to hints so far though – AZ Supreme Court likely has one large hot potato landing right in their laps shortly.
Dems trying to steal another election. Board of supervisors has been corrupt since day one. It’s time to shut them down. Abolish the Democrat party in Arizona and fire everybody and start over. Founders warned us. Arizonans rule not the government. Hobbs stole the election. Hobbs is aiding and abetting millions of illegals who are in Arizona illegally. Driving our streets. Committing crimes. Here illegally. Using our resources and driving up cost for Arizona legal
Citizens and legal immigrants. The DOJ needs to invalidate any elections in Arizona until the corruption is shut down for good. Dominion and Zuckerberg and Democrats are the most corrupt mess in American history. Shame on all of them. Arizonans want them out.
What a sad piece of work Debbie Lesko has become…I can’t believe I ever voted for her.
This is a pleasant surprise. We will see if the AZ Establishment Uniparty wins out or not. If forced to actually answer questions the MCBOS always loses and Heaps wins. If they didn’t have the leftist media to cover for them, this would have ended long ago.
The courts is part of the Uniparty as they proved itmany times. So, what do we expect?