A defamation case filed by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer against Kari Lake has been settled, with representatives from both parties confirming the settlement. Richer, a Republican, had accused Lake of falsely accusing him of sabotaging the election after she lost the 2022 Arizona governor’s race. Richer’s office maintains voter files and works with Maricopa County Elections for administering elections. Richer sought damages for defamation, claiming that false accusations from Lake had resulted in threats of violence and disrupted his life. The details of the settlement remain confidential.
Lake, an ally of former President Trump, had falsely claimed that she won the 2022 governor’s race and accused Richer of sabotaging Election Day. Lake decided not to contest her liability in the lawsuit, stating that participating would only legitimize a perversion of the legal system. Both Lake and Richer faced electoral defeats after their respective campaigns, with Lake losing a Senate bid and Richer being defeated in the Republican primary for county recorder. The Associated Press has projected a win for Democrat Tim Stringham over Republican Justin Heap in the general election for county recorder.
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