Mitchell, Rachel

Running For:

County Attorney

Political Affiliation:

Republican

Phone:

(602) 809-5942

Age:

56

Occupation:

Maricopa County Attorney

Education:

JD (law degree) from ASU 1992; Bachelor's Degree from Grand Canyon University 1989 (Public Administration with emphasis in Finance & Accounting / Justice Studies majors)

Family:

Engaged

Religion:

Evangelical / Non-Denominational

Biographical Info:

I was born and raised in Phoenix. My parents owned a small business that I worked in. They were older when they had me, so both lived through the Great Depression. They taught me a strong work ethic and gratitude. I graduated from Washington High School, Grand Canyon University, and ASU College of Law.

My parents both were Christian and we faithfully attended and served in church. I accepted Christ at age 9 and was baptized shortly thereafter. I always have been active in church. I am part of my church’s worship ministry and serve on its safety team. My faith is key to every aspect of my life.

I went to the County Attorney’s Office straight out of law school and have worked there ever since (1992). While waiting for my Bar results, I worked with attorneys in sex crimes and was struck at the need for victims of such crimes to have a voice and a prosecutor who understands the complex dynamics of that type of victimization. I spent 25 years of my career prosecuting crimes against children and adult sex crimes. I have taught prosecutors and other professionals across the nation on the investigation and prosecution of these types of offenses. I have received numerous awards in this area, including Prosecutor of the Year, Arizona Sex Assault Prosecutor of the Year, Major Crimes Attorney of the Year, David R. White Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award, and Outstanding Child Abuse Legal Professional Award for Excellence.

In 2018, because of my expertise in the area, I was asked by the US Senate Judiciary Committee to serve as Nominations Investigative Counsel to handle the questioning of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford during the Brett Kavanaugh nomination hearings. It was an honor to have the opportunity to ask questions using a research-supported method that were responsible and respectful.

I am engaged to be married. My fiancé is a devout Christian and retired after many years of government service.

Statement:

As a 32 year prosecutor at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, I have seen the good that the office can do – it gives victims a voice, walks beside them at the most difficult times, and provides an ear to listen.

My predecessor had personal issues that impacted her ability to run the office well. Ultimately the office faltered and developed a negative reputation that ultimately impacted victims. I was one of five division chiefs that signed a letter asking my predecessor to step down, which she eventually did.

As the chief deputy under County Attorney Bill Montgomery, I ran the office as the interim county attorney when he was selected for the Arizona Supreme Court. I had the qualifications to step in and quickly work to improve the reputation of the office in the community, improve a faltering relationship with law enforcement, increasing staff numbers, reduce the backlogs that had accumulated, improve morale and lead the office forward. Each of these has been accomplished.

I want to move forward with an emphasis on continuing to get appropriate bail set for dangerous and/or violent offenders, address teen violence, and combat border-related crime that is the result of Biden’s failed open border policies.

We have accomplished so much. I would appreciate your vote so that we can accomplish even more.