Unofficial results from Tuesday’s runoff electionsshow one newcomer and one incumbent will serve on the Phoenix City Council.
District 3 Councilwoman Debra Stark will continue representing northern sections of Phoenix from Dunlap Avenue to Union Hills Drive. Considered a moderate Democrat, Stark won 68% of the vote to defeat Republican Nicole Garcia.
In a statement to KJZZ, Stark said: "I am honored and humbled to be re-elected! I hope I can continue to serve the district and City in a thoughtful manner. There is so much work to do to ensure Phoenix thrives into the future. We need to continue the efforts to protect our water supply, improve the safety on our streets for pedestrians and vehicles, encourage economic growth, combat the issue of homelessness, and ensure good response times and protection for all.”
District 3 has 112,183 registered voters and as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, turnout was reported at 27%.
The race for District 7, which includes parts of downtown, south Phoenix, Laveen and Maryvale, was between two Democrats. Yassamin Ansari garnered 58% of the vote to Cinthia Estela’s nearly 42%. Current Councilman Michael Nowakowski is term-limited.
Ansari posted a tweet Tuesday night that read: “I’m absolutely elated, humbled and grateful, and I can’t wait to get to work on your behalf!”
Her campaign focused on COVID-19, climate change and affordable housing. Mayor Kate Gallego endorsed Ansari and Stark.
District 7 has 90,598 registered voters and as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, turnout was 13.61%
No candidates in Districts 3 and 7 received a majority of votes cast in the council election on Nov. 3, so runoff elections were held for the top two vote getters in each district.
A spokesperson for the City Clerk’s Office said counting will continue this week for early ballots dropped off at voting centers on Tuesday, provisional ballots and those with signatures in question.
In November, voters in District 1 chose Ann O’Brien to replace Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who also faces term limits, while voters in District 5 re-elected Councilwoman Betty Guardado. The winners will take office April 19 and serve four years.