Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he's 'seriously' considering run for Jeff Flake's Senate seat

Controversial former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he's considering jumping into the race for retiring Sen. Jeff Flake's Senate seat, six months after his contempt-of-court charge was erased by presidential pardon.

"I am seriously, seriously, seriously considering running for the U.S. Senate," Arpaio told The Daily Beast on Thursday.

The website contacted Arpaio, known for his anti-immigration stances, after Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., announced he would resign in January after it was revealed the House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation into him for asking two female staffers if they would serve as a surrogate for his child.

"No, I would not consider it, but I am considering running for the Senate, Flake's seat," Arpaio said.

The longtime Maricopa County sheriff, 85, was convicted earlier this year of contempt of court after he defied court orders to end his department's "immigration patrols" that were known to target Latinos. He has also been deeply criticized for the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions at his infamous "tent city" jail.

President Donald Trumppardoned Arpaio on August 25, less than a month after he was found guilty in July of violating a court order.

Flake, a Republican serving his first term in the Senate after 12 years in the House, announced in October that he would not seek re-election next year.

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