Scottsdale City Council
See who is running for Scottsdale City Council, compare candidates, view campaign links, and find available public source information.
The Scottsdale City Council sets policy for the City of Scottsdale. Council members serve four-year terms. The City Council is responsible for adopting the city budget, setting tax rates, and establishing city ordinances. Of the three seats on the July 21, 2026 primary ballot, Solange Whitehead won a full term outright; the other two will be decided in a November 3, 2026 runoff among the next four finishers.
Primary results
Solange Whitehead won a full term outright in the July 21, 2026 primary. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, Barry Graham, Bob Littlefield, and Raoul Zubia advance to a November 3, 2026 runoff for the two remaining seats. Crystal Carroll, Ethan Knowlden, and Eric Sloan lost the primary and are no longer running.
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
Scottsdale’s City Council makes the decisions that shape daily life in the city — growth and zoning, short-term rentals, water and infrastructure, parks, and public-safety budgets. With multiple seats up for election, these races can shift the council’s direction for years to come.
Running
Candidates (8)
Quick Comparison
Full comparison| Field | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan | Nonpartisan |
| Incumbent | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Election Result | Advancing to Runoff | Won Election | Lost Primary | Lost Primary | Advancing to Runoff | Lost Primary | Advancing to Runoff | Advancing to Runoff |
| Website | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site |
| Data | 55% complete | 55% complete | 45% complete | 35% complete | 45% complete | 25% complete | 60% complete | 35% complete |
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Forums & Coverage
Scottsdale Progress · June 15, 2026
Scottsdale candidates tackle more questionsAll eight candidates answer the same four questions on the Brown parking garage, the recycled water program, handling constituents, and the proposed FY2026–27 budget.
Scottsdale Progress · June 7, 2026
Scottsdale City Council candidates field questionAll eight candidates answer the same four questions: biggest priority, qualifying background, leadership style, and position on the Axon development.
Scottsdale Progress · May 3, 2026
Scottsdale candidates passing the hatQ1 2026 campaign finance analysis covering all eight candidates — fundraising totals, donor sources, and spending patterns heading into the July 21 primary.
Scottsdale Progress · April 20, 2026
Battle lines drawn in election kickoffRecap of the April 13 candidate forum at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library — all eight candidates debate the Axon development, the Old Town parking garage, and a failed roundabout project.
Scottsdale Progress · April 13, 2026
Scottsdale City Council election season beginsElection season preview featuring individual statements from all eight candidates on their qualifications and campaign priorities, ahead of the inaugural Scottsdale Firefighters Association forum.
Voter FAQ
Scottsdale City Council — Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Scottsdale City Council do?
- The City Council sets Scottsdale’s budget and property-tax rate, decides zoning and development, regulates short-term rentals, funds police, fire, parks, and water service, and oversees the city manager who runs daily operations.
How many Scottsdale City Council seats are up in 2026?
- Three council seats are on the 2026 ballot. Council members are elected at large by all Scottsdale voters and serve four-year terms.
When is the 2026 Scottsdale City Council election?
- Scottsdale’s 2026 City Council election is scheduled for July 21, 2026. Early voting and mail-in ballots begin beforehand — see the election calendar for registration and voting deadlines.View the election calendar
Are Scottsdale City Council elections partisan?
- No. Arizona municipal elections, including Scottsdale’s, are nonpartisan — candidates appear on the ballot without a party label.