Pinal County has several races worth watching

Pinal County, known for its Democratic politics, will have contested races for most of its countywide offices. County Attorney Jim Walsh and School Superintendent Orlenda Roberts are uncontested Democratic incumbents.

Rookies to battle for key seats in Legislature

However, the rest of the slate looks to be competitive. Mary Shope, the Democratic candidate for supervisor of District 2, will face either Republicans Bryan Martyn, Todd House or Danielle Tomerlin in the Nov. 4 general election. Elliott Fisher will advance to the general election as an independent candidate.

The influential District 2 seat that covers the northern part of the county is now held by Sandie Smith, who is retiring.

In the District 3 race, incumbent Democrat David Snider will face Dennis Dugan in the primary and the Sept. 2 primary election. Republican Tom Hollenbach is the lone Republican running for District 3.

In District 1, Democrats Mary Espinoza and Pete Rios have filed their signatures. Robert Scott Venegas is the Republican candidate.

In the countywide races, Republican John Acton is contesting Democratic incumbent Laura Dean-Lytle in the general election for county recorder.

The story is the same for other countywide offices. For treasurer, Democratic incumbent Dolores Doolittle will face Rayna Palmer in the general election.

Paul Larkin, the Democratic assessor, will face Republican Ron Reinagle.

Sheriff Chris Vasquez will face Democratic competitor Jayme Valenzuela for sheriff. Paul Babeu, a Republican, will advance to the general election.

Anyone can file a protest to the signatures that candidates submitted on Wednesday's deadline.