Paul Babeu
| Paul Babeu | |
|---|---|
Babeu in December 2011
|
|
| Sheriff of Pinal County | |
|
In office January 1, 2009 – January 1, 2017 |
|
| Preceded by | Chris Vasquez |
| Succeeded by | Mark Lamb |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Paul Raymond Babeu February 3, 1969 North Adams, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Republican |
| Occupation | Law enforcement officer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
Massachusetts Army National Guard Arizona Army National Guard |
| Years of service | 1990–2010 |
| Rank |
 Major
|
Paul Raymond Babeu (pronounced BAB-you; born February 3, 1969) is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who was sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, from January 1, 2008, to January 1, 2016. He was Pinal County's first Republican sheriff.
Babeu ran for Arizona's 4th congressional district in the 2012 elections to the United States House of Representatives but withdrew and came out as gay after a personal controversy. He became the Republican nominee for Arizona's 1st congressional district in the 2016 elections after winning the primary on August 30, 2016. He was defeated in the general election by Democrat Tom O'Halleran.
Babeu was born on February 3, 1969, in North Adams, Massachusetts, to Raymond and Helen Babeu. Raymond Babeu was a longtime employee of the area's electric utility who was also active in local politics. Paul Babeu was the tenth of eleven children born into the family. Babeu has spoken of being molested for several years as a child by at least two Catholic priests, including Richard R. Lavigne.
Babeu holds an associate degree in law enforcement from the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy. He also holds a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a summa cum laude master of public administration from American International College.
At age 17, while still in high school, Babeu campaigned against a proposed raise for North Adams, Massachusetts, City Council members. The council reduced the pay hike and Babeu, running as an independent, turned his effort into a successful campaign and was elected to City Council at the age of 18. In 1992, Babeu was elected to a four-year term as a Berkshire County, Massachusetts, commissioner.
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