SAFFORD — Due to the resignation of Justice of the Peace Wyatt Palmer due to health issues, the Graham County Board of Supervisors found themselves in the position of appointing an interim justice in an election year.
“We want to choose the best candidate, which makes it difficult when four of the five applicants have college degrees, two have law degrees, (and) three of the five have masters with the fourth enrolled in a master’s program. And three of the five have previous or current county employment,” said Supervisor Paul David.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Stephanie Newton to the bench. Newton has 20 years experience working in the court systems in Graham County, currently serving as chief clerk of the Gila Valley Municipal Court.
She is one of three people to have filed a statement of interest in running for the Justice of the Peace position this year. The other two are Graham County deputy attorney John Griffith and former Safford City Councilman Michael Andazola.
In Arizona, Justice Courts hear misdemeanor criminal cases, civil and criminal traffic cases, civil cases when the amount in dispute is $10,000 or less, and small claims of $3,500 or less. Justice Court can also conduct preliminary hearings for felony criminal cases.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1:23 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, to correct candidate John Griffith’s name and position.
