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Gina is originally from Phoenix. She earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and safety studies and her law degree from Arizona State University. She is the founder of Speak Up, Stand Up Save a Life, and serves on the board of Pendergast Elementary School District Foundation. Godbehere lives in Phoenix and attends Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where she previously served as a member of the finance committee.

Gina currently works as a crime victims’ rights attorney at Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona. She previously worked as the owner of Balance the Scales Consulting, the City of Goodyear prosecutor, and an assistant bureau chief, bureau chief, and homicide attorney for the Maricopa County Attorney'

Ballotpedia

Gina Godbehere previously ran for Maricopa County Attorney in 2022 but lost.

As a bureau chief for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, directed the assignment of cases to prosecutors, maintained records on cases, worked with law enforcement agents in ongoing investigations, developed trial strategy, and advised the county attorney on criminal prosecutions.

As a victims’ rights attorney, provides legal counsel and representation to individuals who have had their legal rights violated within a criminal case.

- As a bureau chief for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, directed the assignment of cases to prosecutors, maintained records on cases, worked with law enforcement agents in ongoing investigations, developed trial strategy, and advised the county attorney on criminal prosecutions.
- As a victims’ rights attorney, provides legal counsel and representation to individuals who have had their legal rights violated within a criminal case.

Legal Experience

Candidate website

Believes accountability in justice should be uniform and opposes lenient plea deals for offenders who assault police officers. Plans to end preferential legal treatment and rebuild the integrity of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Promises to strictly enforce criminal accountability without leniency or "preferentiall legal treatment" for individuals who are violent towards law enforcement officials.

Opposes "dangerous liberal diversion policies" and lenient sentencing for repeat offenders. Plans to address recidivism by ending the "Revolving Door of Justice."

Said, "far too many felonies are not charged at all or are downgraded to misdemeanors," promises to end the "Revolving Door of Justice."

Believes strict enforcement of gun possession laws is essential for immediate safety and solving further crimes.

Plans to transform the Victims Division into a more responsive and empathetic unit by improving communication between victims, law enforcement, and the county attorney’s office.

Plans to "[transform]" the Victims Division by improving communication between victims, law enforcement, and the county attorney’s office.

Believes downgrading felony cases to misdemeanors compromises community safety and shifts jail costs to cities. Said, "most municipalities do not have supervised probation" to monitor or mandate necessary treatment.

Believes downgrading felony cases to misdemeanors compromises community safety and shifts jail costs to cities.

Believes in an "all hands-on deck" approach to criminal justice, advocating for collaboration with law enforcement, businesses, and community members to combat crime.

Promises to collaborate with law enforcement, businesses, and community members to combat crime.

Plans to create a website section with resources to educate citizens on the County Attorney’s Office, promoting transparency and understanding of the justice system.

Plans to promote transparency and community knowledge by creating a website with resources to educate citizens on the County Attorney’s Office.

Believes in automatic restoration of civil rights for first-time felony convictions after sentence completion and restitution payment. Supports criminal justice reform to reduce recidivism and improve sentencing practices.

Supports immediately restoring the civil rights of first-time felons after they have completed their sentence and made payment of restitution.

- Promises to strictly enforce criminal accountability without leniency or "preferentiall legal treatment" for individuals who are violent towards law enforcement officials.
- Said, "far too many felonies are not charged at all or are downgraded to misdemeanors," promises to end the "Revolving Door of Justice."
- Believes strict enforcement of gun possession laws is essential for immediate safety and solving further crimes.
- Plans to "[transform]" the Victims Division by improving communication between victims, law enforcement, and the county attorney’s office.
- Believes downgrading felony cases to misdemeanors compromises community safety and shifts jail costs to cities.
- Promises to collaborate with law enforcement, businesses, and community members to combat crime.
- Plans to promote transparency and community knowledge by creating a website with resources to educate citizens on the County Attorney’s Office.
- Supports immediately restoring the civil rights of first-time felons after they have completed their sentence and made payment of restitution.

Criminal Justice

Endorsed by the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association.

Endorsed by former attorney general Mark Brnovich.

- Endorsed by the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association.
- Endorsed by former attorney general Mark Brnovich.
- Endorsed by former sheriff Joe Arpaio.

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Gina Godbehere

Rachel received her undergraduate degree from Grand Canyon University and her law degree from Arizona State University. She was awarded the 2003 Distinguished Service Medal for her community service as an attorney.

Rachel has previously overseen teams of prosecutors including the Sex Crimes Bureau and created the Prosecution Integrity Unit, overseeing conviction integrity and law enforcement misconduct. 

Rachel Mitchell currently serves as the County Attorney in Maricopa County. She was first appointed in 2019 and is serving her second elected term.

As a county attorney, she prosecutes civil and criminal actions under state law and cases before grand juries.

As a chief deputy county attorney, she prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases. She was Chief of the Special Victims Division.

Believes legal experience is crucial for effective prosecution and victim compensation. As a prosecutor, indicted eight priests and secured an agreement with the Diocese of Phoenix for admission of wrongdoing and victim compensation.

Believes legal experience is crucial for effective prosecution. Said, "Veteran Prosecutor, Not a Politician," emphasizing the importance of a strong legal career over political ambitions.

Said, "Veteran Prosecutor, Not a Politician," emphasizing the importance of a strong legal career over political ambitions.

Has been recognized as the 2024 Organized Retail Theft Champion, 2023 Visionary for the Future, 2012-2013 David R. White Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award Recipient, 2006 Prosecutor of the Year, 2006 Outstanding Child Abuse Legal Professional Award for Excellence Recipient, amongst various other recognitions.

- As a county attorney, she prosecutes civil and criminal actions under state law and cases before grand juries.
- As a chief deputy county attorney, she prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases. She was Chief of the Special Victims Division.
- Believes legal experience is crucial for effective prosecution and victim compensation. As a prosecutor, indicted eight priests and secured an agreement with the Diocese of Phoenix for admission of wrongdoing and victim compensation.
- Said, "Veteran Prosecutor, Not a Politician," emphasizing the importance of a strong legal career over political ambitions.
- Has been recognized as the 2024 Organized Retail Theft Champion, 2023 Visionary for the Future, 2012-2013 David R. White Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award Recipient, 2006 Prosecutor of the Year, 2006 Outstanding Child Abuse Legal Professional Award for Excellence Recipient, amongst various other recognitions.

Believes in restoring trust in the criminal justice system through justice, experience, and accountability. Supports criminal justice reform, fair sentencing, and reducing recidivism.

Believes in cracking down on organized retail theft to prevent crime from taking root. Opposes leniency towards rising crime in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle.

Opposes "lower or no bail for dangerous and violent criminals" and supports reversing policies from the Defund the Police movement. As a leader, changed course to address these issues.

Opposes "lower or no bail for dangerous and violent criminals" and supports reversing policies from the Defund the Police movement.

Supports criminal justice reform, focusing on conviction integrity, law enforcement misconduct, and easing victim trauma in abuse cases.

Believes in seeking high bail amounts for dangerous and violent criminals. Said, "It’s no wonder Rachel is the only candidate endorsed by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association and Arizona Fraternal Order of Police."

Believes in seeking high bail amounts for dangerous and violent criminals. 

Believes in upholding the rule of law and is committed to protecting neighborhoods, businesses, and communities.

Believes in aggressively prosecuting traffickers and fighting against cartels bringing fentanyl into the community. Opposes the "failed policies of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris" related to criminal justice.

The candidate's website says, "When Rachel took over as Maricopa County Attorney in April 2022, the office was overwhelmed by backlogs. More than 800 felony DUI cases had not been prosecuted, with another 10,500 cases that were never reviewed or filed. Dozens of officer-involved shootings had also never been reviewed as the law requires, leaving officers and their departments stuck with no resolution."

The candidate's website says, "When Rachel took over as Maricopa County Attorney in April 2022, the office was overwhelmed by backlogs...Rachel and the new team under her leadership, diligently worked through these cases and to bring down the backlog in less than just two years."

The candidate's website says, "She continues to rebuild relationships with local police agencies to ensure dangerous criminals are held accountable."

Believes victims deserve "highly qualified individuals fighting for justice on their behalf." Supports criminal justice reform, fair sentencing, and reducing recidivism.

Believes in protecting children and families through prosecuting crimes and ensuring legal integrity. As Maricopa County Attorney, led teams to prosecute crimes against children, organized retail theft, and drug-related offenses.

Believes legal experience is crucial for delivering results in law enforcement. Supports working closely with law enforcement to ensure effective prosecution.

- Believes in cracking down on organized retail theft to prevent crime from taking root. Opposes leniency towards rising crime in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle.
- Opposes "lower or no bail for dangerous and violent criminals" and supports reversing policies from the Defund the Police movement.
- Supports criminal justice reform, focusing on conviction integrity, law enforcement misconduct, and easing victim trauma in abuse cases.
- Believes in seeking high bail amounts for dangerous and violent criminals. 
- Believes in upholding the rule of law and is committed to protecting neighborhoods, businesses, and communities.
- Believes in aggressively prosecuting traffickers and fighting against cartels bringing fentanyl into the community. Opposes the "failed policies of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris" related to criminal justice.
- The candidate's website says, "When Rachel took over as Maricopa County Attorney in April 2022, the office was overwhelmed by backlogs...Rachel and the new team under her leadership, diligently worked through these cases and to bring down the backlog in less than just two years."
- The candidate's website says, "She continues to rebuild relationships with local police agencies to ensure dangerous criminals are held accountable."
- Believes victims deserve "highly qualified individuals fighting for justice on their behalf." Supports criminal justice reform, fair sentencing, and reducing recidivism.

Endorsed by numerous politicians including former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, Queen Creek Councilman Jeff Brown, Former Gilbert Vice Mayor Joan Krueger, Phoenix Councilman Jim Waring, Surprise Councilman Jack Hastings, Queen Creek Vice Mayor Leah Martineau, and Queen Creek Councilman Bryan McClure.

Endorsed by numerous business executives including Ben Leuschner, President of the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association, Jobe Dickinson the Executive Director of Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Arizona, Samuel Wagner, President of the Chandler Law Enforcement Association, Rob Ferraro, President of the Tempe Officers Association, and Jeff Hawkins, President of the Arizona State Troopers Association.

Endorsed by organizations such as the Arizona Police Association, Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

- Endorsed by numerous politicians including former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, Queen Creek Councilman Jeff Brown, Former Gilbert Vice Mayor Joan Krueger, Phoenix Councilman Jim Waring, Surprise Councilman Jack Hastings, Queen Creek Vice Mayor Leah Martineau, and Queen Creek Councilman Bryan McClure.
- Endorsed by numerous business executives including Ben Leuschner, President of the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association, Jobe Dickinson the Executive Director of Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Arizona, Samuel Wagner, President of the Chandler Law Enforcement Association, Rob Ferraro, President of the Tempe Officers Association, and Jeff Hawkins, President of the Arizona State Troopers Association.
- Endorsed by organizations such as the Arizona Police Association, Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Rachel Mitchell

- The county attorney represents their county and the state in legal matters within their jurisdiction and provides legal advice to the county and its various departments and agencies.
- The county attorney conducts prosecutions of persons accused of committing crimes.
-  The county attorney is elected in a partisan election for a four-year term. 

Maricopa County Attorney, Republican Primary

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Criminal Justice

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