Napier Concedes To Nanos In Pima County Sheriff Election

TUCSON, AZ — Days after the Nov. 3 election ended and vote counting stopped, incumbent Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier has conceded the race to his Democratic opponent, Chris Nanos.

In a concession posted to Facebook on Monday, Napier cited wanting to wait until all votes had been counted before he made a statement on the results because of how close the race had been in the days following the election.

“I have not made a statement before now not out of a desire to be difficult, obstinate or acrimonious,” Napier said in Monday’s statement. “Rather, it was out of an abiding respect for the process and for the sanctity of every vote. Now it appears certain that I have not been successful in reelection.”

Mark Napier: 248,765

Chris Nanos: 252,196

Those results are from the Pima County Recorder's Office. Nanos bested Napier by fewer than 4,000 votes.

This was not the first time Napier and Nanos had battled for the position: Napier, a Republican, beat Nanos to become Pima County Sheriff in 2016. Napier claimed victory in that election by about 12 points.

Napier has worked in law enforcement since 1981. He joined the Tucson Police Department in 1987 and retired as captain before running for the sheriff's office.

Nanos was appointed by the Board of Supervisors as the 33rd Sheriff of Pima County in 2015. He has served in law enforcement since 1976 and worked his way through the Pima County sheriff's office.

Nanos told the Arizona Daily Star that he wants to reform the sheriff's department if he wins the election, starting with requiring body cameras for all deputies. He also has plans to reduce the jail population with the use of ankle monitors, similar to one implemented by the Tucson Police Department.

"Such a program could result in savings of several thousands of dollars in associated jail and court costs, by effectively placing those who suffer from drug abuse and/or mental illness with the right social service providers," Nanos told the outlet.

Napier has threatened to sue Nanos for defaming him and running a Facebook page called "No More Napier" that the current sheriff has said spreads lies about him.

Nanos, in turn, dismissed the threats as "political theatrics."

Napier said he will remain as sheriff until his term ends on Dec. 31 and will help transition Nanos back into the role.

“We have made significant strides over the past four years that I sincerely hope will continue well into the future to the betterment of public safety for all people of our county,” Napier’s statement said.