Phoenix City Council – District 4
See who is running for Phoenix City Council – District 4, compare candidates, view campaign links, and find available public source information.
Phoenix City Council District 4 covers central Phoenix, including downtown, midtown, and part of Maryvale. Councilwoman Laura Pastor, who has represented the district since 2014, is term-limited, and eight candidates are competing for the open seat on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Phoenix council races are nonpartisan, and a candidate needs a majority of the vote to win outright; with eight candidates, a March 9, 2027 runoff between the top two finishers is likely. The winner takes office April 19, 2027.
What does this office actually control?
A City or Town Council sets local policy for the community — the level of government closest to residents’ daily lives.
- Adopts the city budget and sets the local property-tax rate.
- Passes city ordinances and decides zoning — what gets built and where.
- Funds and oversees police, fire, parks, streets, water, and trash service.
- Hires and oversees the city or town manager who runs daily operations.
Why this race matters
District 4 is the heart of Phoenix, covering downtown, midtown, and part of Maryvale, and its seat is open for the first time since 2013. Homelessness, housing costs, the 7th Street and 7th Avenue reverse lanes, and the next light rail extension all run through this district, and the winner could shift the balance of the nine-member council.
Running
Candidates (8)
Quick Comparison
Full comparison| Field | ||||||||
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| Party | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan |
| Incumbent | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Website | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site |
| Data | 80% complete | 85% complete | 35% complete | 75% complete | 60% complete | 80% complete | 80% complete | 80% complete |
Voter FAQ
Phoenix City Council – District 4 — Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Phoenix City Council do?
- The mayor and eight district council members set Phoenix’s budget, tax rates, and water, sewer, and trash rates; decide zoning and development; fund police, fire, parks, and streets; and appoint the city manager, who runs daily operations.
When is the 2026 Phoenix City Council District 4 election?
- The election is November 3, 2026, on the same ballot as the statewide general election. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two finishers advance to a runoff on March 9, 2027. The winner takes office April 19, 2027.View the election calendar
Who can vote in the Phoenix District 4 race?
- Only registered voters who live in Phoenix City Council District 4. Only Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 are on the 2026 ballot; Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and the mayor are next elected in 2028. Enter your address on Find Your Ballot to see which district you live in.Find your ballot
Are Phoenix City Council elections partisan?
- No. Phoenix council elections are nonpartisan — candidates appear on the ballot without a party label.