An Arizona sheriff is facing a recall effort amid the ongoing Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, as the search for the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie enters its seventh week with no suspect identified. The recall against embattled Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was launched on March 12, according to the Pima County Elections Department.Â
Nanos addressed the recall this week, saying, “It’s the right of the people. We’ll always honor the will of the people, and that’s what makes Democracy.” The recall effort comes just days after Nanos addressed discrepancies in his work history and a lawsuit was filed against him and his department by an inmate.Â
Who Is Behind the Recall Effort?
Daniel Butierez, who is also collecting signatures to get on the ballot to run for Congress, is behind the recall effort against Nanos. He will have 120 days from March 12 to collect more than 120,000 signatures needed to trigger an actual recall election.Â
If enough verified signatures are collected, a recall election will be held. Butierez has cited the department’s handling of the Guthrie investigation as a key reason for the recall.Â
What Is the Status of the Nancy Guthrie Investigation?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson-area home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood on Jan. 31. Investigators believe she was kidnapped overnight. The FBI has released surveillance footage that appeared to show a masked man at her home the night of her disappearance.Â
As of mid-March, there has been no sign of Guthrie and no suspect identified. Authorities say they have received tens of thousands of tips. The FBI reported receiving more than 25,000 tips between Feb. 1 and March 2, while officials said more than 30,000 calls and tips were recorded within two weeks of Guthrie being reported missing.Â
What New Developments Have Occurred in the Investigation?
A law enforcement source told News4 Tucson that FBI agents have returned to the Catalina Foothills neighborhood where Guthrie lived. Investigators are now speaking with individuals who are not regular residents of the area, including landscapers and construction workers.Â
The source stressed that the broadened interview effort does not represent a step backwards in the investigation. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said investigators are continuing to analyze evidence, including laboratory results and camera footage.Â
What Rewards Are Being Offered for Information?
88-CRIME has erected a new billboard along Interstate 10 offering a $102,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s return. This is in addition to a $1 million reward offered by her family and a $100,000 reward from the FBI.Â
88-CRIME said it has received 2,445 anonymous tips through its phone line, website and the P3 Tips mobile app. Police have urged homeowners in the surrounding area to submit any relevant video footage to assist the investigation.Â
Why Is Sheriff Nanos Facing Pressure Beyond the Recall?
Nanos has been facing national pressure over his department’s handling of the Guthrie investigation. The recall effort comes just days after he addressed discrepancies in his work history, and a lawsuit was filed against him and his department by an inmate.Â
The sheriff’s leadership has come under scrutiny as the high-profile case continues without resolution.Â
FAQs About the Recall and Guthrie Case
Q: Who is Chris Nanos?
A: He is the Pima County Sheriff facing a recall effort over his department’s handling of the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation.Â
Q: When was Nancy Guthrie last seen?
A: She was last seen at her Tucson-area home on Jan. 31, 2026.Â
Q: Has a suspect been identified?
A: No. Despite tens of thousands of tips, no suspect has been named.Â
Q: What rewards are being offered?
A: The family is offering $1 million, the FBI $100,000, and 88-CRIME $102,000.Â
Q: How many signatures are needed for a recall election?
A: More than 120,000 verified signatures must be collected within 120 days.Â
Q: What new investigative steps are being taken?
A: FBI agents are interviewing non-residents including landscapers and construction workers in the Catalina Foothills area.Â
Q: How many tips have been received?
A: The FBI received over 25,000 tips in one month, and more than 30,000 calls came in within two weeks of her disappearance.Â
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.