Arizona official's defamation case against Kari Lake has been settled

A defamation case against Kari Lake brought by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer has been settled, representatives for both parties confirmed Sunday to NBC News.

Richer, a Republican, filed a claim in June 2023 saying that Lake falsely accused him of "intentionally sabotaging the election" after she lost the 2022 Arizona governor's race. Richer's office is tasked with maintaining voter files and works with Maricopa County Elections to administer elections. Richer sought nominal, compensatory and punitive damages in unspecified amounts.

"As a result of Defendants’ knowing and malicious falsehoods, Richer and his family have been the target of threats of violence, and even death, and have had their lives turned upside down," said Richer's team in the 2023 claim, which also sought damages from two Lake-aligned groups.

Neither Richer's nor Lake's teams disclosed the details of the settlement, which was previously reported by The Washington Post.

"We are pleased" the case has been settled, Lake’s lawyer Dennis Wilenchik said, noting that the settlement's terms "are confidential." It is not uncommon for settlement terms to remain private.

"The matter has been settled and was resolved to the satisfaction of both parties," said a member of Richer's counsel, who also declined to share further details.

Lake, an ardent Trump ally, has pushed false claims that she won the 2022 gubernatorial election and that it was stolen from her. Instead, Democrat Katie Hobbs narrowly won the election.

After the election, Lake falsely accused Richer of having "sabotaged" Election Day.

In March, Lake decided not to contest her liability in the suit, saying in a statement on X at the time that "by participating in this lawsuit, it would only serve to legitimize this perversion of our legal system and allow bad actors to interfere in our upcoming election."

Lake launched a Senate bid after losing to Hobbs, but she was defeated by Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego earlier this month. In July, Richer was defeated in the Republican primary for county recorder by state Rep. Justin Heap. The Associated Press has called the general election race for Heap, projecting that he defeated Democrat Tim Stringham.