Rep. Ralph Heap denied exit from Clean Elections program as sign spending probe continues
Editor's note (October 2026): On Sept. 24 the Clean Elections Commission rejected Heap's latest attempt to resolve its investigation, and its director said the probe could last through the end of the year, KJZZ reported. Source.
Based on reporting by Manuelita Beck for ABC15, published September 2, 2026.
Arizona's Clean Elections Commission has refused to let state Rep. Ralph Heap, a Republican running for the Arizona Corporation Commission, drop out of the state's public campaign funding program, ABC15 reported. Commissioners voted unanimously at a Sept. 2 online hearing to deny the request as too late. Under the state's administrative code, a candidate cannot withdraw after being told they are approved for funding.
Staying in the program means Heap cannot raise money from outside donors.
The commission is also investigating a June complaint from Lisa Everett about Heap's campaign signs, which have appeared across the state. Everett questioned whether the campaign properly reported what it cost to make, place and distribute them. Heap's reports show $644 spent on signs for his statewide race, compared with $2,924 on signs during his campaign for his Legislative District 10 House seat. Commissioners have determined there is reason to believe Heap broke the program's rules, according to ABC15.
Heap's attorney, Tim La Sota, said the signs were bought on credit from the sign shop and will show up as an expense once they are paid for. He told commissioners he expects the enforcement actions to proceed but said, "I don't think they have any merit." La Sota argued that forcing a candidate who has taken no money to stay in is not voluntary, and that the program must be voluntary to be constitutional. Executive Director Tom Collins replied that the voluntary choice is made at sign-up. La Sota also accused the commission of trying to tip the scales in the election.
Everett said Heap should not be able to leave the program. "We should hold people accountable," she said.
Heap also faces a second complaint, about his effort to gather signatures to get on the ballot. His attorney has denied wrongdoing.