Concerns Raised Over Political Influence in Arizona Judicial Elections

Three judges in Arizona—Appeals Court Judge Anni Foster, family court judge Julie Mata, and juvenile court judge Michael Rassas—appear to be headed for losses in judicial retention elections, despite receiving passing performance reviews. David Rosenbaum of the Brennan Center for Justice expressed concern that the influence of political and interest groups could affect how judges rule.

The report notes that thirty-eight states use elections to select judges, while nineteen states, including Arizona, use retention elections. Rosenbaum worries that the prospect of losing a retention election could discourage qualified lawyers from leaving their private practices to become judges.

Presidential figures are advocating for voting rights expansion in Arizona, and the administration is seeking court action to empower states on voter rolls, specifically regarding citizenship proof legislation.