In a unanimous vote today, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed longtime county prosecutor Rachel Mitchell as County Attorney.
“Rachel Mitchell is a distinguished and experienced prosecutor with deep knowledge of the County Attorney’s Office—both its strengths and the areas which need improvement,” said Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “She is the person best suited to make an impact at MCAO immediately due to her strong relationships with current staff, her professionalism, and her prosecutorial acumen.”
“The County Attorney’s Office needs stability at the top, and they need it right now,” said Vice Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “Rachel Mitchell has served this county honorably for three decades and has served as chief prosecutor once before. I’m confident she will represent residents and this Board well in the coming months.”
County Attorney Mitchell has served the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for the past 30 years, most recently as the head of the Criminal Division.
“I am honored the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has faith and trust in my ability to lead one of the largest prosecution offices in the country as your next Maricopa County Attorney,” Mitchell said. “I will be an engaged leader and look forward to restoring the trust of our community, law enforcement, and everyday Arizonans. For the last 30 years I have successfully prosecuted some of the most heinous crimes, delivered justice by standing up for victims and their families, and fairly applied the rule of law to ensure violent criminals were held accountable. This office means so much to me, and I look forward to showing up every day to make it better.”
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is the third largest public prosecutorial agency in the country, comprised of more than 900 full-time employees including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, victim advocates, and support staff. The County Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting all felonies that occur in Maricopa County and all misdemeanors that occur in unincorporated areas.
“We had the opportunity to talk with three capable and experienced attorneys, and I came away with positive impressions of all of them,” said Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1. “But there’s just no substitute for the experience and institutional knowledge that Rachel will bring to the position on day one. I look forward to working collaboratively with County Attorney Mitchell and her office on practices and reforms that will improve our criminal justice system.”
“Rachel Mitchell is ready from day one and I congratulate her on this well-deserved appointment,” said Supervisor Tom Galvin, District 2. “But I want to acknowledge all three candidates who applied. They’re all excellent attorneys, and I appreciate their thoughtful answers to our questions, especially going on the record to affirm the integrity of our election system and the results of the 2020 election.”
The County Attorney serves as legal counsel for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and all County departments. The position has been vacant since Allister Adel’s resignation earlier this spring. State law requires the Board to appoint a replacement to serve as County Attorney until the next election.
“Voters will have an opportunity to vote for County Attorney in November, but as of today, who is the best person to step into that role, move the office forward, tackle the challenges, bring stability, and improve morale? I believe Rachel Mitchell is the best candidate,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5.
Mitchell will serve in the role through the 2022 General Election. She is one of several candidates running for the position in November. Whoever wins will serve as County Attorney through 2024.