Michelle Ugenti-Rita advanced past the primary and is running in the next round. Finished second in the July 21, 2026 primary with 14.96% of the vote, advancing to the November 3, 2026 runoff.
Source: scottsdaleaz.gov · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
As a native of Scottsdale and 12-year veteran of the State Legislature, I'm running to protect what makes our city special and to defend Scottsdale against those who would let it become ordinary—overbuilt, compromised, and disconnected from the people who live here. If elected, I want to restore trust in how Scottsdale is governed, ensure our growth stays true to the General Plan and our character, and protect our long-term water security.
Biography
Michelle Ugenti-Rita is a lifelong Scottsdale resident, commercial real estate agent, and mother of three running for Scottsdale City Council. A Republican, she served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019 and represented Legislative District 23 in the Arizona Senate from 2019 to 2023, where she sponsored a number of election-law and ballot-initiative bills. She lost the 2022 Republican primary for Arizona Secretary of State and the 2024 Republican primary for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. She is a graduate of Arizona State University. In the 2026 council race she is running on a joint conservative platform with Councilmember Barry Graham, and in June 2026 she joined Graham and Bob Littlefield in a letter to Axon's board alleging that company executives were trying to influence the election; Axon said it was not involved. Organizers of the first of two October 2026 candidate debates said she was invited but unable to attend. Ugenti-Rita finished second of eight candidates in the July 21, 2026 primary with 14.9% of the vote and faces Barry Graham and Raoul Zubia for two council seats in the November 3, 2026 runoff.
Past offices held
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsUgenti-Rita's core principle is that Scottsdale must "live within our water means," basing water policy on existing and projected supply rather than growth demands. She opposes approving growth beyond assured water capacity and special water carve-outs for developers. She called Scottsdale's recycled water program "reckless" before the city fully understands its long-term costs and health implications.
"This is reckless before we understand the long-term costs, health implications."
Education Funding
No official stance on record.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
OpposesUgenti-Rita does not view housing affordability as a municipal issue, arguing it is driven by the free market and broader economic factors. She limits the city's role to clear, consistent regulations and avoiding policies that drive up costs.
"I do not believe solving housing affordability is a municipal issue... The free market ultimately dictates the housing market."
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
No official stance on record.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsUgenti-Rita prioritizes fully supporting police and fire, empowering officers to enforce the law with no "stand-down" orders. She is endorsed by the Scottsdale Police Association and the county sheriff.
"I will prioritize fully supporting our police and fire departments and ensuring they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively."
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsGiven Scottsdale's strong existing brand, Ugenti-Rita wants the Council to be thoughtful about partnerships and investments, with its role being to maintain an environment that supports businesses, the arts, and tourism.
"The Council's role is to maintain an environment that supports businesses, the arts, and attracts people to visit."
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
NeutralUgenti-Rita focuses on addressing real congestion where residents feel it most, improving traffic flow, maintaining existing roads, and being cautious about where expansion makes sense, with infrastructure supporting (not chasing) growth and parking for local businesses.
"My priority is making sure we're addressing real congestion issues in the areas where residents feel it most... That means improving traffic flow, maintaining the roads we already have, and being thoughtful about where expansion actually makes sense."
Government Spending & Taxation
OpposesDrawing on 11 years on the legislative appropriations committee, Ugenti-Rita defines fiscal sustainability as living within the city's means and maintaining strong reserves. When revenue exceeds projections she favors paying down debt, cutting taxes, and eliminating fees.
"Fiscal sustainability is about being responsible with taxpayer dollars and planning for the long term. It means living within our means, maintaining strong reserves, and not taking on obligations we can't sustain."
Legislature
Legislative Voting Record
| Bill / Motion | Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| HB 2853 – Universal ESA Expansion | June 24, 2022 | Yes |
| SB 1819 – Election Law Omnibus | May 27, 2022 | Yes |
| SB 1485 – Active Early Voting List (Sponsor) | May 11, 2021 | Yes |
| HB 2898 – 20x2020 Teacher Pay Increase | May 3, 2018 | Yes |
| SB 1487 – Legislative Override of Local Ordinances | March 9, 2016 | Yes |
| HB 2305 – Voter Registration and Election Processes (Sponsor) | June 12, 2013 | Yes |
Ballot
Ballot Measure Stances
No ballot measure stances on file yet.
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