Benson voters appear to recall 3 council members over aluminum plant | Cochise County

BENSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Benson voters appear to have ousted three city council members in a recall election tied to controversy over a proposed aluminum plant near the San Pedro River corridor.

Unofficial election results show challengers leading incumbent council members Patrick Boyle, Darren Hayes and Vice Mayor Levi Johnson. Councilman Anicleto “Nick” Maldonado, who ran unopposed, retained his seat.

The recall effort was organized by a group of residents known as the Committee for a Better Benson. The group argued city leaders were not transparent about plans for the proposed Aluminum Dynamics Incorporated plant.

Opponents of the project raised concerns about potential environmental and health impacts, along with increased traffic congestion near the San Pedro River corridor. Supporters of the project, including some city officials, said the company followed planning and zoning requirements and argued the development could bring roughly 90 jobs to Benson.

Cochise County election officials said turnout was around 25% before Election Day ballots were fully counted.

You can view the unofficial results here.