As Richer tweeted today, "It's been a privilege. Thank you. Elections have winners and, sadly, losers. And in this one, it looks like I'm going to end up on the losing side of the column. But that's the name of the game. Accept it. Move on. Congratulations to @azjustinheap on winning the primary." Source: NPR PHOENIX — Stephen Richer, who’s been a fierce defender of the integrity of Maricopa County elections since he was elected as county recorder in 2020, has lost a Republican primary to keep that role, according to a race call by The Associated Press. Maricopa County includes Phoenix and is Arizona's population center.