Ex-Sheriff Joe Arpaio 'Seriously' Considering Senate Run To Replace Jeff Flake

Former six-term Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is not at all interested in running for Republican representative for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District Trent Franks’s seat, instead, his eyes are all set on a Senate seat. He wants to replace the retiring Sen. Jeff Flake.

Talking to the Daily Beast, Arpaio opined, “I am seriously, seriously, seriously considering running for the Senate, not the congressman’s seat.”

Arpaio denied of hearing about Franks’ resignation but after being informed about the same he said to the Daily Beast, “He is a great man and a great friend, and it’s a great loss for Arizona and our country.”

Congressman Franks announced his resignation Thursday after two female staffers complained that he had discussed surrogacy with them. However, according to a report in the BBC, Franks denied of talking about surrogacy and said: “I want to make one thing completely clear. I have absolutely never physically intimidated, coerced or had, or attempted to have, any sexual contact with any member of my congressional staff.”

Meanwhile, talking about his political run, Arpaio further said to the Daily Beast, “No, I would not consider it, but I am considering running for the Senate, Flake’s seat.” He added, “I feel like I just gave you a little scoop there.”

The Daily Beast reported that the decision by Arpaio will have implications in the political scenario of Arizona. According to the report, he does not lack support among politicians who back anti-immigration laws but is vehemently criticized by some mainstream Republicans and Democrats for his tendency to break rules in order to implement them.

Earlier last week, in an interview to the Breitbart News, Arpaio said: “I will have more information in January possibly about a run for the seat. I think the Arizona Senate races are going to be critical, so I am giving a lot of thought to whether I am going to run.”

Arpaio also put emphasis on how important it was for the GOP to retain control of the upper chamber of Congress while he spoke about the Alabama Senate race between Republican Roy Moore and Democrat Doug Jones.

In July, Arpaio was convicted for challenging a judge’s order that his department does not arrest suspected illegal immigrants. The following month, President Donald Trump had pardoned the possible candidate for Senate run. The case against Arpaio was closed in October.

According to a report in the Washington Examiner, after being pardoned by Trump, Arpaio told the publication: "I could run for mayor, I could run for a legislator, I could run for Senate. I'm sure getting a lot of people around the state asking me to challenge Flake. All I'm saying is the door is open and we’ll see what happens. I’ve got support. I know what support I have.”

Arpaio, now 85, served the Maricopa County as Sheriff for 24 years from 1993 to 2016. According to reports, he has styled himself as “America’s Toughest Sheriff .”