Outrage as GOP official Stephen Richer gets booed for denying 2020 election was stolen

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A recent incident at a gathering of the Sun City West Republican Club highlighted ongoing divisions within the Republican Party over the 2020 presidential election.

Maricopa County Election Recorder Stephen Richer, known for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump's claims of election fraud, faced backlash when he reiterated his stance that he does not believe the 2020 election was stolen.

Stephen Richer gets booed at Republican event

The event, attended predominantly by older White individuals, saw Richer being questioned about his views on the integrity of the 2020 election and future electoral processes in Maricopa County.

When asked directly whether he believed the election had been stolen, Richer responded with a firm "I do not believe the 2020 election was stolen."

This response was met with loud boos from the audience, as captured in a video posted on social media by Merissa Hamilton.

The incident underscores the deep divide within the Republican Party between those who continue to support Trump's claims of widespread fraud and those who reject such assertions.

Donald Trump's unsubstantiated claims trigger party divisions

In the aftermath of his defeat in Arizona and the broader election, Trump has persistently alleged without evidence that the election was rigged against him. His efforts to pressure Republican officials in various states to overturn the results have been widely criticized and have led to legal scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions.

Richer, who oversees elections in Arizona's largest county, has been vocal in debunking Trump's false claims about the election. His stance reflects a broader trend among some Republicans who are pushing back against what they see as baseless accusations that undermine confidence in the electoral process.

President Joe Biden's victory in Arizona by a margin of just over 10,000 votes was officially certified by Republican Governor Doug Ducey, despite Trump's public criticisms at the time.

"Why is he rushing to put a Democrat in office, especially when so many horrible things concerning voter fraud are being revealed at the hearing going on right now," Trump tweeted at the time. "Republicans will long remember!"

Internet says Arizona Republicans 'booing the truth'

Here are some user comments reflecting the public reaction to the controversy.

One user wrote, "Reality says the election wasn't stolen. If you boo reality, then you should seek help."

Another user commented, "Stephen Richer from Arizona has stood up for what’s right. The folks in Sun City are just as you might expect. Seniors, white and never wrong, according to them."

One user said, "Telling the truth or giving facts to the Republicans is like throwing Holy water on the devil, they hate it."

One added, "The GQP is a cult and MAGA is a mental disorder."

One said, "Arizona Republicans are a special kind of stupid."

Another replied, "Booing the truth. That says it all about the ignorance of the GOP base."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.