By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Representative David Marshall Sr. (R-LD7) announced Wednesday that he will resign from the Arizona House of Representatives effective April 17, days after questions emerged about his appointment as the next Navajo County recorder.
Marshall submitted his resignation in a letter to House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) dated April 15. In the letter, Marshall said his decision was based on family considerations.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Marshall wrote. “After careful consideration, I have concluded that stepping down is in the best interest of my family.”
Marshall said serving in the Legislature has been “an honor and a privilege” and thanked his constituents, fellow lawmakers, staff, and House leadership.
“I remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will cooperate fully to support continuity of representation for the residents of Legislative District 7,” Marshall wrote.
Marshall’s resignation comes after the Navajo County Board of Supervisors appointed him to fill a vacancy in the county recorder’s office created by the resignation of former Recorder Timothy Jordan.
The appointment has drawn scrutiny because the Arizona Constitution states that lawmakers cannot hold other state, county, or municipal offices “during the term for which he shall have been elected.” Some legalobservers have argued that Marshall can accept the recorder position if he resigns from the Legislature, while others contend he would remain ineligible until the next legislative term begins in January 2027.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes told KJZZ that her office is reviewing whether the appointment violated the state constitution, though she declined to comment further while the matter is under review.
According to Axios, Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon told reporters that he had forgotten the particular statute but informed Marshall that his appointment could face a legal challenge.
Marshall is also running for the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Under ARS §41-1202, Republican precinct committeemen from Legislative District 7 will nominate three qualified Republicans who live in the same district and county as Marshall. The Navajo County Board of Supervisors will then appoint one of those nominees to serve the remainder of his term.
Marshall served on the House Education Committee and Judiciary Committee and was chairman of the House Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
