Justin Heap

Justin Heap
Heap in 2023
Recorder of Maricopa County
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 1, 2025
Preceded byStephen Richer
Member of the Arizona House of Representatives
from the 10th district
In office
January 9, 2023 – January 13, 2025
Serving with Barbara Parker
Preceded byMorgan Abraham
Succeeded byRalph Heap
Personal details
PartyRepublican
ParentRalph Heap
EducationArizona State University, Tempe (BA, JD)
Signature

Justin Heap is an American politician and Republican who has served as Recorder of Maricopa County since 2025. He is a former member of the Arizona House of Representatives, having to represented the 10th district from 2023 to 2025. He was a member of the Arizona Freedom Caucus.

Political career

Arizona House of Representatives

In 2022, Heap and Barbara Parker were unchallenged in the Republican primary for the 10th district if the Arizona House of Representatives. They went on to defeat Democratic nominee Helen Hunter in the general election. Heap's father, Ralph Heap, succeeded him in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Maricopa County Recorder

In 2024, Heap decided to run for Maricopa County Recorder, challenging and beating incumbent and fellow Republican Stephen Richer. He went on to win the general election.

Electoral history

2024

2024 Maricopa County Recorder Republican primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Justin Heap 161,946 43.3
Republican Stephen Richer (incumbent) 129,344 34.5
Republican Donald Hiatt 82,160 21.9
Write-in 929 0.2
Total votes 374,379 100%
2024 Maricopa County Recorder election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Justin Heap 984,866 52.2 +2.1
Democratic Tim Stringham 903,609 47.8 −2.1
Total votes 1,888,475 100.0

2022

2022 Arizona House of Representatives election, 10th district
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Justin Heap 50,024 36.95
Republican Barbara Parker 49,190 33.33
Democratic Helen Hunter 36,182 26.72
Total votes 135,396 100%
Republican hold
Republican hold

Lawsuit against Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

In June 2025, Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap filed a lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors, seeking to regain control over election-related IT, staffing, and resources. Supported by America First Legal, the suit challenged a shared services agreement that restricted the Recorder's authority over voter registration systems and facility access. In April 2026, an Arizona judge ruled in favor of Heap. County supervisors voted to challenge the ruling.

References

  1. 1 2 "Right-wing lawmaker runs for Maricopa County recorder". 12news.com. February 27, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  2. ↑ Grainey, Arianna (September 8, 2022). "4 candidates running for seats in Arizona District 10". The Daily Independent. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  3. ↑ Priest, Reagan (January 5, 2025). "New Faces: Ralph Heap". Arizona Capitol Times. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap Files Lawsuit Against Board of Supervisors to Reclaim Statutory Authority & Resources to Protect Election Integrity for All County Voters". recorder.maricopa.gov. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  5. ↑ Press, JOSH KELETY-Associated (April 17, 2026). "Judge sides with Arizona election official in ruling that has implications for midterms voting". Newschannel 20. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  6. ↑ Kelety, -Josh; Kelety, Associated Press Josh; Press, Associated (April 17, 2026). "Judge sides with Arizona election official in ruling that could affect midterms voting". PBS News. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  7. ↑ Iversen, David (April 22, 2026). "Maricopa County board votes to appeal election powers ruling". KTAR.com. Retrieved April 25, 2026.