Former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio announced on Sunday that he will be seeking another term as sheriff in Maricopa County. The announcement follows Arpaio being pardoned by President Donald Trump two years ago after he was convicted on charges of criminal contempt related to his controversial work in law enforcement.
“After consultation and approval from my wife of 61 years, Ava, I have decided to run to be reelected Sheriff,” the 87-year-old Arpaio announced in a Sunday news release. “Watch out world! We are back!”
Despite past controversies and his criminal conviction, Arpaio suggested that he will be sticking to his same old tactics if he is reelected. One of his most controversial choices as sheriff could even make a comeback — Tent City.
Tent City was an outdoor jail where inmates were forced to work in pink underwear in the harsh Arizona heat.
“I will continue to stand and fight to do the right thing for Arizona and America, and will never surrender,” Arpaio said. “Those who break the law will have to deal with this Sheriff.”
“The last four years have proven to be a time of lost opportunities to continue the kind of tough policing this county needs,” he added. “Once back in office, I will use my position to restore pride to our law enforcement ranks, not only here, in the fourth-largest county in America, but across the country.”
Source: Fox News
For his reelection, Arpaio seems to be taking a page out of Trump’s book. His slogan is “Make Maricopa County Safe Again,” a clear play on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
“Throughout his time as sheriff, Arpaio continued his life’s work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration,” the White House announced in a public statement after pardoning Arpaio. “Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now 85 years old, and after more than 50 years of admirable service to our nation, he is (a) worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon.”
Since being pardoned Arpaio hasn’t commanded the same attention as he did while in law enforcement. He tried a run for the Senate in 2018, but lost to Martha McSally in the primary stage. He was running as a Republican.
The current sheriff of Maricopa County, Paul Penzone, is expected to run for reelection against Arpaio. Penzone unseated Arpaio in 2016. The upcoming election will take place in 2020.
Joe Arpaio announces 2020 bid for 7th term as Sheriff.
Thousands want me to run for Sheriff. Today Aug 25 announcing run for Sheriff Important day for me. Wife's Birthday & Pres Trump Pardoned me. Ready for bruising, bitter campaign. Never back down.https://t.co/4dkuVCtCUa
— Sheriff Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) August 25, 2019
If Arpaio proves victorious, he would be serving his seventh term as sheriff. He served as Maricopa County sheriff from 1993 to 2016. Though many praised his hardline stance on illegal immigration, the sheriff was also often the target of civil rights groups who argued that his across the board policies for criminals often violated basic civil rights.
In the news release announcing his upcoming run, Arpaio promised that illegal immigration and crimes related to the issue would be a top priority for him in office.
Arpaio said he will “continue to enforce all Arizona laws that deal with drug trafficking, sex trafficking and other crimes associated with the border and illegal immigration.”
Arpaio said Penzone’s first term has “proven to be a time of lost opportunities to continue the kind of tough policing this county needs.”
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Zachary Leeman is originally from Maine, he served in the United States Army Reserve for six years. He currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
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