Yavapai County recorder ‘heartbroken’ over resigning amid election-related threats

PHOENIX — Threats from people who believe former President Donald Trump’s unfounded accusations that the 2020 election was stolen have frustrated Yavapai County Recorder Leslie Hoffman enough that she’s leaving her elected position for another job, a decision she calls heartbreaking.

“I was planning on retiring from this position,” Hoffman, a Republican, told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos and Chad Show on Monday. “I wanted to stay here as long as the voters would have me here.

“It’s been very, very tough. … the circumstances behind all of this, there should never have been a question.”

Hoffman announced earlier this month she would be leaving the role on July 22 over the “nastiness” she has dealt with since the 2020 election results, despite Trump winning the deeply Republican county by more than 41,000 votes.

“Trump overwhelmingly won here,” Hoffman said. “That makes it very, very difficult to understand why now we are being scrutinized and accused of corruption and fraud and watch your back. You better lawyer up, those type of things.

“It’s a small majority of people but they’re very loud. They’re very angry and can’t seem to reach outside of that circle and listen and talk to all the election officials about what’s going on.”

Hoffman in the last 21 months has received constant hateful messages through social media and email, all while trying to get ready for the 2022 election. The sheriff’s office has also been patrolling her house for more than a year and a half over the threats.

She mentioned even having to quit doing a lot of social events.

“It does feel like I’m giving up the fight and that doesn’t go well with me,” Hoffman said. “I’ve always been that one to be right in the middle of everything if it’s something I believe in.

“But I also was offered a wonderful job in the middle of all this, I wasn’t soliciting anything. I wasn’t looking. I took that as maybe this is my sign.”

As for who will take her position, Hoffman is confident the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors will pick the right candidate.

“I have all the faith in the board that they will appoint somebody that’s like mind, like me,” Hoffman said. “We always tell everybody, it doesn’t matter who comes to our office and we work with, everybody’s beige. It doesn’t matter political party.”

Lynn Constabile, longtime elections director in Yavapai County, also left for the same reason as Hoffman. Her last day was Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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