Arizona Sheriffs Exit State Association Over Partisanship
Two county sheriffs have withdrawn from the Arizona Sheriffs Association, citing concerns regarding the group's political leanings.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos have rejected membership in the Arizona Sheriffs Association. Both officials have characterized the organization as a partisan Republican entity, leading them to distance their offices from the group.
Why it matters
The split highlights growing political divisions among law enforcement leadership in Arizona. By leaving the association, the two sheriffs are signaling a refusal to participate in an organization they believe prioritizes partisan interests over neutral policing.
The Arizona Sheriffs Association currently maintains 13 members among the state's 15 counties. This count includes one independent sheriff and two Democratic sheriffs, while remaining positions are held by Republican counterparts.
The players
David Hathaway
He serves as the Sheriff of Santa Cruz County and has been involved in managing protests regarding border security.
Chris Nanos
He is the Sheriff of Pima County and previously maintained membership in the state sheriffs association.
David Clouse
He serves as the Sheriff of Navajo County and has publicly expressed criticism of other sheriffs regarding law enforcement conduct.
The details
Sheriff Hathaway allowed his membership to lapse, while Sheriff Nanos left the organization after previously holding a membership. The decision follows tensions within the law enforcement community, including a public critique from Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse regarding Hathaway's management of border-wall protests in Lochiel.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse sent a letter criticizing Sheriff Hathaway.
Legal Context
The split follows the established administrative norms set by the 1980 Arizona county spending limit formula that typically governs county operations. This shift marks a notable departure from the unified front traditionally maintained by law enforcement leaders in the state.
The departure of these two sheriffs may signal changes in how law enforcement policies are coordinated at the state level. Residents in Pima and Santa Cruz counties may observe shifts in how their local offices interact with statewide law enforcement initiatives.
The takeaway
The move suggests a widening ideological gap among elected county officials in Arizona. Voters should monitor how these leadership divisions affect regional policing strategies and inter-county cooperation.
Further reading
For more on how local agencies operate, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arizona Daily Star.
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