Securing the border, reducing federal spending and intrusion and restoring parental controls were issues mentioned most by GOP primary candidates at the near-capacity June 22 public forum at the Palm Ridge Center in Sun City West.

Leading the charge was United States Senate hopeful and current Pima County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who said “you won’t find another candidate with my border experience,” adding it’s time to put “patriots, not bureaucrats in charge” in DC who will “promote, not provide for,” the general welfare of Americans. Lamb noted that had more Republicans voted in the last election, key Arizona races, many of which were decided by a few hundred votes, would have swung the other way. His opponent, Kari Lake, did not attend.

His tone was reflected by Congressional District 8 candidates. Patrick Briody urged that borders be secured, energy production increased and capitalism allowed to pick winners and losers. Trent Franks condemned the weaponization of federal agencies, school interference with parental rights and reaffirmed the need for a border wall. Abraham “Abe” Hamadeh avowed to classify Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations when securing the southern border.

Anthony Kern criticized “lawfare” waged against opponents by the Biden administration and said “the Federal Reserve is printing us into oblivion” and boosting inflation. Blake Masters suggested subdividing the liberal 9th Federal Court District and warned that “if we import the third world, we will become the third world.” Ben Toma suggested closing the border until fixed, claimed to be the “universal school choice model” author and emphasized government will only stop growing if given less money.

Candidates in other July 30 GOP primary races also presented their platforms:

Arizona Corporation Commission: Rene Lopez and Rachel Walden agreed energy users should only be billed for what they use and that competitive production permits should be approved on the basis of merit without government picking winners and losers.

State House District 28: Running as a team with Beverly Pingerelli, David Livingstone emphasized his state appropriations experience. Pingereli reiterated her primary focuses as health care and education, especially keeping CRT (critical race theory) from classrooms. Susan Black stressed “faith, family and freedom” values, pledging to oppose Title IX revisions allowing trans women from using women’s student restrooms.

State Senate District 28: Frank Carroll is unopposed and did not speak.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors: Debbie Lesko did not attend but her opponent, Robert Branch, related how his business experience on the parks commission kept parks open and profitable during and after the pandemic.

Maricopa County Sheriff: Mike Crawford pledged to reform posses and involve the public in combating crime. Frank Milstead cited his experience managing the Mesa police department and state police. Jerry Sheridan noted he was chief deputy for 12 years and directed daily operations under Sheriff Joe Apaio. 

Maricopa County Attorney: Challenger Gina Godbehere criticized incumbent Rachel Mitchell for reducing felonies to misdemeanors but Mitchell denied such and cited her multiple law enforcement endorsements.

Maricopa County Treasurer: Incumbent John Allen reported he has reorganized the office and increased interest income from idle funds from $64 million to $210 million and ensures agencies are funded according to the state budget. His challenger, William Lichtsinn, emphasized his CPA credential and auditing experience.

Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools: Challenger Shelli Boggs noted she is the only candidate serving on a school board and has been a consistent student advocate. Fellow challenger Nickie Kelley promised to instill critical thinking and Constitutional content in the 58 districts curricula. Incumbent Steve Watson observed that 98% of teachers are doing the right thing as he continues to emphasize basic subject content.

Maricopa County Assessor: Unopposed, Eddie Cook reported that the 200 Arizona assessment statutes should be simplified and announced a “senior value protection plan,” which freezes taxes for three years.

Maricopa County Record: Challenger Justin Heap noted he is a member of the Arizona House freedom caucus, has sponsored 45 bills to improve Arizona elections and criticized incumbent Stephen Richter for sending multiple ballots to the same address during the last election. Fellow challenger Don Hiatt agreed, pledged to apply his IT skills, and, like Heap, supported “one day, one vote with paper ballot and ID” to ensure clean elections. Richter, however, announced he has not lost any court challenges and is endorsed by two former governors.

Candidates for each office spoke in sequence and appeared on stage together making comparisons easier for the audience.

Sun City West Republican Club President Bob Randle urged all Arizona Republicans to verify their party registrations at BeBallotReady.Vote and to vote in the July 30 primary elections.