Now that Allister Adel has resigned, what's next for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office?

by Robert Anglen

Allister Adel's resignation as Maricopa County attorney starts a process to replace her that could extend through the rest of the year.

Filling the job as top prosecutor is anything but simple or routine.

First, an interim county attorney will be named.

The process to elect a permanent successor already has begun. The job will be filled in the 2022 election cycle, and candidates have only two weeks to collect enough valid signatures to qualify for the Aug. 2 primary ballot.

Here's what you need to know about what's next at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Who will be in charge of the office in the short term?

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors agreed Monday to appoint an interim county attorney to serve until a new county attorney is elected. No names have surfaced, but whoever the board chooses is required to be a member of Adel's political party.

What is Allister Adel's party affiliation?

Adel is a Republican.

Will there be an election to replace Adel?

 

Yes. But candidates will have to scramble to get there.

Adel was elected to serve until January 2025, with the position scheduled to be contested again in 2024. Now it will be on the ballot this year.

If Adel had waited to step down until April 4, the Board of Supervisors could have appointed a replacement to serve until the 2024 election cycle.

By leaving office March 25, Adel will compel county voters to vote for a county attorney in 2022 and then again in 2024. (click to continue)

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Now that Allister Adel has resigned, what's next for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office?