Paul Babeu submits signatures, enters crowded race for Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Paul Babeu has submitted enough signatures to grab a spot on the ballot and now enters a crowded race to keep his job as Pinal County’s top cop.

Elections officials said Wednesday was the deadline for candidates to file the necessary paperwork in order to qualify for the upcoming election.

Babeu only recently announced his intention to run for re-election.

Earlier this month, Babeu ended his campaign for Congress after several controversies significantly slowed his fundraising and caused him to slip in the polls.

Babeu will face several other candidates who have thrown their names into the sheriff’s race.

Tom Bearup (Republican), Ty Morgan (Independent) and Glenn Millsaps (Democrat) have submitted enough signatures to earn spots in the upcoming primary election. Derek Arnson is also expected to join the race.

Political experts say Babeu may face an uphill battle to win re-election.

Right now, the Sheriff is currently under investigations by outside agencies, including a look into if Babeu and his top staff have unlawfully used public resources for campaign purposes.