Maricopa County Attorney Speaks Out After Brain Bleed

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel is speaking out for the first time since she was hospitalized on election night.

Adel released a statement through the attorney's office Friday to thank the community for its support during her medical emergency. Adel was taken to the hospital Nov. 3 with what turned out to be a brain bleed.

"Over the past month, my family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by this community. It has provided us much comfort during this time. I am grateful for the high-quality medical treatment I am receiving and want to publicly thank the medical teams who have taken care of me," she wrote.

She is still hospitalized and receiving care at Barrow's Neurological Institute, though she expects to go home in the coming weeks.

She also thanked her colleagues at the office for handling business in her absence, including multiple election challenges filed in the county.

Adel was re-elected on Election Day in a tight race against Democratic challenger Julie Gunnigle after she was appointed to the position in late 2019. Adel, a Republican, is the first woman ever elected to the office.

She thanked voters for entrusting her with the job as she continues to focus on her recovery.

"I feel stronger every day and while I know that recovering from a brain injury is a slow and steady process, I look forward to working with my medical team to ensure a safe and full recovery," she wrote.