Scottsdale Council Candidates Prepare for November Runoff

Three candidates remain in the race for two available Scottsdale City Council seats following a primary election.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Elections

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Three candidates are set to compete for two open Scottsdale City Council seats in the upcoming runoff election scheduled for November 3, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Three candidates are set to compete for two Scottsdale City Council seats in the upcoming runoff election on November 3, 2026. Barry Graham, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, and Raoul Zubia advanced after participating in the primary held in July 2026.

Why it matters

The outcome of the runoff will determine the final composition of the Scottsdale City Council, which has two seats up for grabs. This final vote concludes a race that saw multiple candidates qualify through the primary process.

There are 2 available city council seats up for election. The list of participants was finalized after Bob Littlefield withdrew from the race despite earning enough votes in the primary.

The players

Barry Graham

He is a candidate for the Scottsdale City Council who advanced to the runoff election.

Michelle Ugenti-Rita

She is a candidate for the Scottsdale City Council who advanced to the runoff election.

Raoul Zubia

He is a candidate for the Scottsdale City Council who advanced to the runoff election.

Bob Littlefield

He initially qualified for the runoff election but chose to withdraw from the race.

The details

Candidates spent the third quarter of 2026 raising and managing campaign funds as they prepared for the final stage of the contest. The field was narrowed after the July primary, leading to the selection of the three remaining candidates.

Timeline

  1. The primary election was held in July 2026.

  2. Candidates raised and spent funds throughout the third quarter of 2026.

  3. The runoff election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

The transition to a runoff election highlights the impact of Arizona state election statutes on local governance. These regulations ensure that winning candidates receive a clear mandate from the electorate when primary results do not produce a decisive winner for all seats.

Residents should prepare for the final runoff vote on November 3 to determine who will occupy the two open council seats. This election directly impacts local policy priorities and the future representation of the city council.

The takeaway

Voters are encouraged to review the platforms of the three remaining candidates before heading to the polls on November 3. Understanding the candidates' positions is essential for those who wish to have a say in the city's future leadership.

What happens next

The runoff election for the Scottsdale City Council will take place on November 3, 2026.

Further reading

For more information on the upcoming vote, visit the Scottsdale Elections portal.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Your Valley.

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