A defamation lawsuit filed by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer against Kari Lake has been settled, according to representatives for both parties.
Richer, a Republican, sued Lake in June 2023, claiming she falsely accused him of “intentionally sabotaging the election” after her loss in the 2022 Arizona governor’s race. Richer’s office is responsible for managing voter files and overseeing elections in Maricopa County. He sought unspecified damages, including compensatory and punitive ones.
Richer’s legal team stated that due to Lake’s malicious falsehoods, he and his family faced threats of violence and had their lives disrupted. The claim also targeted two groups aligned with Lake.
While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, both sides confirmed the case was resolved to their satisfaction. “We are pleased” the case is settled, said Lake’s attorney, Dennis Wilenchik.
Lake, a strong ally of Donald Trump, has repeatedly claimed she won the 2022 election, despite Democrat Katie Hobbs’ narrow victory. Afterward, she accused Richer of sabotaging Election Day. In March, Lake decided not to contest the lawsuit, saying it would only legitimize a flawed legal process.
Following her election loss, Lake ran for Senate but was defeated by Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego. In the same period, Richer lost his bid for re-election as county recorder in the Republican primary.
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