AZ Sheriff Faces Recall Push as Missing Nancy Guthrie Case Draws Scrutiny [WATCH]

A recall effort is underway in Arizona targeting Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, as criticism grows over his department’s handling of the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson home earlier this year, as reported by TMZ.

The push to remove Nanos is being led by Republican congressional candidate Daniel Butierez, who has accused the sheriff of mishandling the case and raising concerns about his professional background.

Butierez said the handling of the investigation has been “embarrassing” and alleged that Nanos misrepresented parts of his employment history.

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The recall campaign formally began last Thursday, starting a 120-day window for organizers to collect the required number of signatures to force a recall election.

At the same time, county officials are expected to review questions surrounding Nanos’ employment record later this month.

Nanos addressed the recall effort publicly, acknowledging the process and the authority of voters to pursue it.

“We’ll always honor the will of the people, and that’s what makes democracy,” Nanos said.

“We have failed leadership in Pima County… There’s no law enforcement here they’re not holding anybody accountable.”@Butierez4C talked to @KatiePavlich about a bipartisan push for @PimaSheriff Chris Nanos’ recall. This following the departments failure in Nancy Guthrie’s case. pic.twitter.com/J1oGijJ9e8

— Katie Pavlich Tonight (@KatiePavlichNN) March 18, 2026

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The political dispute is unfolding as law enforcement continues searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of television personality Savannah Guthrie.

Authorities said she was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, during the night on February 1.

BREAKING: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos just admitted “I HAVE NO CLUE” when grilled by reporters on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie pic.twitter.com/eg2p13EGtL

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) February 4, 2026

The case has drawn attention in the region and beyond, with ongoing search efforts and public concern surrounding the circumstances of the abduction.

Details about the investigation have not been fully disclosed, and authorities have not provided a timeline for resolution.

Butierez’s criticism has centered on both the progress of the investigation and the broader management of the sheriff’s office. He has argued that leadership issues within the department have affected the response to the case.

The recall process in Arizona allows voters to remove elected officials before the end of their term if enough verified signatures are collected within a specified period.

In this case, organizers must meet the signature threshold within 120 days to trigger a recall election.

County officials are also preparing to examine claims related to Nanos’ employment history, adding another layer of scrutiny as the recall effort moves forward.

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains active. Authorities have not released additional details about potential suspects or developments in the case.

The recall effort and the missing persons investigation are proceeding simultaneously, with both drawing attention from residents and officials in Pima County and across Arizona.

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