Joe Arpaio to run for Maricopa County sheriff in 2020 

Joe Arpaio announced Sunday night that he plans to run for sheriff of Maricopa County in 2020 after losing his most recent reelection bid.

Arpaio served as the county’s sheriff for 1993 until 2016, with his 24 years in office making him the longest-serving sheriff in the county’s history.

{mosads}”The last four years have proven to be a time of lost opportunities to continue the kind of tough policing this county needs,” Arpaio wrote in a statement posted on Twitter. “Once back in office, I will use my position to restore pride to our law enforcement ranks, not only here, in the fourth-largest county in America, but across the country.” 

Joe Arpaio announces 2020 bid for 7th term as Sheriff.

Thousands want me to run for Sheriff. Today Aug 25 announcing run for Sheriff Important day for me. Wife’s Birthday & Pres Trump Pardoned me. Ready for bruising, bitter campaign. Never back down.https://t.co/4dkuVCtCUa

— Sheriff Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) August 25, 2019

Arpaio noted that the date of his reelection announcement is the same as when President Trump pardoned him. He hinted at a possible run for sheriff after Trump pardoned him in 2017.

Arpaio was convicted of criminal contempt of a federal court in a racial profiling case that drew national media attention.

Arpaio also sparked criticism for housing some prisoners under his supervision in outdoor “tent cities” and using so-called chain gangs.

He said if he were to be reelected sheriff, he would bring back the “tent cities.”

The former sheriff previously ran in the Arizona Republican Senate primary to replace retiring Sen. Jeff Flake (R) but lost to Martha McSally, who was defeated by Sen. Kirsten Sinema (D).

McSally was later appointed to the Senate take over the seat vacated by Sen. Jon Kyl (R).

Arizona’s current sheriff Paul Penzone (D) defeated him Arpaio in 2016 is expected to run for reelection in 2020.