PHOENIX — Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel was admitted to the hospital Tuesday evening -- and as initial election results were being released -- to undergo emergency surgery due to bleeding in her brain, a spokesperson told ABC15 on Wednesday.
According to an MCAO spokesperson, Adel fell at home and hit her head and her condition worsened on Tuesday night. She was then taken to a hospital and performed an emergency surgery to address the bleeding in her brain.
She remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition as of Friday afternoon and is reportedly responding well to medical treatment, per a spokesperson.
“Her family is grateful for the outpouring of support and asks for continued prayers for Allister. This is understandably a very difficult situation and we ask that their privacy be respected at this time,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Adel is in a fight to retain her position as Maricopa County Attorney against challenger Julie Gunningle, who is currently leading, 51%-49%, according to Wednesday morning results. Less than 22,000 votes separate the two.
The Associated Press has not projected a winner in that race.
Adel was appointed to the position in October 2019 -- becoming the first woman to lead the Maricopa County Attorney's Office -- after then-Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court.
In a tweet Tuesday evening, shortly after the news broke, Gunningle said her thoughts were with Adel and wished her a "full recovery."
I have heard from multiple reporters via social media that my opponent has been admitted to the hospital for a medical emergency.
— Julie Gunnigle (@JulieGunnigle) November 4, 2020
My thoughts are with Allister and her family. We should give them privacy in this moment and we wish for a full recovery.
Visit www.abc15.com/results to view current unofficial election results.
