A Republican-backed recount in Maricopa County, Ariz., found that President Joe Biden won the state’s largest county in 2020 by even more votes than the certified results. Biden won Arizona by roughly 10,500 votes, making his victory of about 45,000 votes in the home county of Phoenix crucial to his victory. “Truth is truth and numbers are numbers,” Karen Fann, the Republican Senate president who commissioned the vote review, said as the findings were presented to the State Senate last week.

Despite the recount results, supporters of former President Donald Trump quickly took to the Internet to claim once again that he “won the election by a landslide.” And, Trump urged Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican vying for his party’s U.S. Senate nomination, to open an investigation into his claims of fraud. Republicans also are trying to force more recounts in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which Trump also lost, as well as Texas, which he won. The Republicans want the vote audits in areas that voted for Democrats.

Claims that the 2020 vote was stolen led to the Jan. 6 attack on the nation’s Capitol by rioters trying to prevent Congress from certifying Biden’s election. Although the claims of election fraud were roundly dismissed by the courts, Trump and his supporters have continued say the election was rigged, and Republican lawmakers have passed new voting restrictions around the country. Democrats and some Republicans have warned the spreading doubt about elections is seriously damaging American democracy. Some worry that all future elections will be challenged by the losers, possibly paving the way for an autocrat to seize power.

Republican election official says: “More than any moral code, philosophical agenda, interest group, or even team red vs. team blue, many politicians will simply do whatever it takes to stay in office.” - Stephen Richer, Maricopa County.

Trump supporter says: “I have no doubt now: That election was rigged.” - Lezley Shepherd, Arizona.

Local GOP leader says: “Are we going to be a serious political party that tries to win an election, or are we going to keep talking about these kooky, fringe audits?” - Rohn Bishop, Fond du Lac, Wis.