A legal fight between candidates for state attorney general could leave Mark Brnovich in the seat beyond the end of his term.

That possibility was raised while attorneys for both candidates argued over how quickly a Maricopa County Superior Court judge could hear arguments from Republican candidate Abe Hamadeh. 

He wants to be declared winner despite losing to Democrat Kris Mayes by 510 votes.

Hamadeh contends a series of mistakes and illegal actions resulted in some votes not being counted.

Mayes’s attorney told the judge that the lawsuit is premature as arguments cannot be brought up until after the final canvas of votes scheduled for Dec. 5.

However, that date could slip as Cochise County did not certify its results by Monday’s deadline and is facing litigation.

That could also delay the required recount of the race.