Kesha Hodge Washington
Candidate for Phoenix City Council – District 8
Phoenix · District 8 (South Phoenix)
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Statement
I’m running for re-election to keep serving our community. Thank you for putting your trust in me as your councilwoman as we continue to make progress on housing, economic development, and keeping our community safe.
Biography
Kesha Hodge Washington has represented District 8 on the Phoenix City Council since April 2023, after defeating incumbent Carlos Garcia in a runoff with 55.1% of the vote, and serves as vice mayor. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Virgin Islands and a law degree from Arizona State University. She clerked at the Arizona Court of Appeals and worked as an assistant attorney general on child protection cases. She says she was later appointed special deputy attorney general to investigate election law violations by former Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Shortly after joining the council, she co-chaired the outreach campaign for the city’s $500 million general obligation bond. She lives in Laveen. Her endorsements include Arizona List and the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Past offices held
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsHodge Washington’s campaign lists protecting Phoenix’s long-term water supply through responsible planning and sustainable policies as a priority.
Education Funding
No official stance on record.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
SupportsHodge Washington lists homelessness and affordable housing among her top priorities. Her campaign credits her with $800,000 in eviction assistance with Maricopa County, free legal representation for tenants facing eviction, a $15 million Housing Trust Fund, and 5,427 new housing units. She has long called for right-to-counsel programs in eviction cases.
"We are tackling the housing crisis head-on by partnering with Maricopa County to allot $800,000 for eviction assistance, providing free legal representation for tenants, and securing 5,427 new housing units."
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
No official stance on record.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsHodge Washington says the city must prioritize filling shortages of first responders as it grows. She pushed for ethical standards and procedural safeguards for the city’s Civilian Review Board, which reviews police conduct.
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsSince her 2022 campaign, Hodge Washington has called for using Sky Harbor Airport, freeway access, and new light rail stops to bring high-wage jobs to District 8, along with free or low-cost job training. Her 2026 campaign says 3,578 new jobs have been added in the district.
"We have added 3,578 new jobs to our local economy, strengthening District 8 and creating new opportunities for residents."
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
No official stance on record.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsHodge Washington voted for the city’s 2025 sales tax increase, citing state tax changes, inflation, and rising demand for city services.
Legislature
Legislative Voting Record
| Bill / Motion | Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance G-7514 – Medical treatment and food distribution in parks | May 6, 2026 | Yes |
| Light rail: redirect from Capitol/I-10 extension to Indian School Road line | January 27, 2026 | Yes |
| Ordinance G-7396 – Data center zoning and regulations | July 2, 2025 | Yes |
| City sales tax increase (2.3% to 2.8%) | March 18, 2025 | Yes |
Ballot
Ballot Measure Stances
No ballot measure stances on file yet.
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