Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio released the following statement today about his decision regarding the governor’s race in Arizona:

“I cannot in good conscience leave the Sheriff’s office now, since that would be necessary if I declare a candidacy for governor,” Arpaio said. “Currently, I have several sensitive investigations in progress and am facing many challenges in my office. Because of this, I will not desert the people of Maricopa County who have elected me six times.

“Further, I cannot desert my dedicated employees.”

Arpaio said he does intend to keep his job as Sheriff.

“As I mentioned the night of my re-election in 2012, I stated that I would run again for Sheriff in 2016. So many have already supported my campaign for another term, having already raised over $4.2 million in the last 16 months.

“I am a warrior who will continue to fight for the people of Maricopa County and my office. I know during the past years if I ran for Governor, I would have won.

“But personally, it was not in my cards. My wife of 57 years, Ava, has always supported me and will continue to support me no matter what office I run for.”

Arpaio, a Fountain Hills resident, was re-elected to a sixth term in November 2012. In January of 2015, Sheriff Arpaio will be the longest serving elected Sheriff in Maricopa County history.