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Phoenix elections: Mayor Gallego leads and city pay raises are passing, unofficial results show

Woman in green stands in front of bus
Sam Ballesteros/Cronkite News
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stands in front of Cartwright Elementary School District’s new electric school bus on Feb. 19, 2024, in Phoenix.

Phoenix mayor election

Unofficial results show Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego with a commanding lead over her opponent, Matt Evans. At Tuesday night’s party for Arizona Democrats, she outlined her priorities for the next four years.

"I will continue to focus on sustainability, a great infrastructure system, protecting our water supply, high-wage jobs, and a safer community," Gallego said.

Phoenix City Council

Bill MOREE

Based on early results, it looks like incumbents running for Phoenix City Council will keep their jobs.

After garnering more than 60% of the vote in their districts, Vice Mayor Debra Stark and Councilwoman Betty Guardado have claimed victory. Stark represents District 3, which includes Sunnyslope and Moon Valley neighborhoods, and Guardado represents District 5 which covers west Phoenix.

"I am honored to represent such a great part of the city," Stark said. "It is important that Phoenix continue to address important issues that include protecting our water supply, growing our economy, and ensuring we deliver everyday services such as safe roadways, consistent waste collection, reliable 911 calls and quality parks and libraries."

betty guardado
Brent Whiting
Betty Guardado

"This victory belongs to the amazing residents of District 5, who for the third time have entrusted me as their councilwoman," Guardado said. "I will continue to fight for my constituents to ensure safe neighborhoods for our children, living wage jobs for our families, and a city that works for each and every one of us."

In northwest Phoenix, District 1 Councilwoman Ann O’Brien ran unopposed.

Carlos Galindo-Elvira
Matthew Casey/KJZZ
/
editorial | staff
Carlos Galindo-Elvira

District 7, includes parts of downtown, south Phoenix, Laveen and Maryvale, saw multiple candidates and two races.

Unofficial results show Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira will keep his temporary seat through April.

A progressive state lawmaker is on track to become the newest member of the Phoenix City Council.

Early results in a four-way race showed Anna Hernandez with nearly 53% of the vote. Marcelino Quinonez had 20.3%, Michael Nowakowksi had 15.96% and Martyn Bridgeman had 10.98%

Hernandez campaigned on protecting water, addressing climate change and housing costs.

“Our eviction rates are out of control. We have to do work on making sure we're keeping people housed in the first place,” she said.

Hernandez said she got involved in politics after police shot and killed her brother when he was experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Change is needed on policing in the city of Phoenix,” Hernandez said. “So that is, also one of the priorities for me going into, you know, once I'm in office, is that we have to continue to tackle this issue head on so that we end police violence in the city of Phoenix.”

Prop. 489 results

Unofficial results also strong backing for Proposition 489, which would give the Phoenix mayor and city council members their first raises in almost 20 years. The proposition is currently passing, with roughly two-thirds of city voters in support.

Since 2006, the mayor’s annual salary has been $88,000 while each council member earns $61,600. Their numbers double when you add pensions and other benefits. Voters were asked whether the mayor’s salary should be $103,840 and each council member’s be $77,000.

The increases were recommended by Phoenix’s Citizens’ Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials. In 1973, voters created the commission to review salaries and make recommendations. Commission members are appointed by the City Council.

Arizona Election Night 2024

As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.