Phoenix Council Races Set for March Runoffs

Two Phoenix City Council seats being vacated by term-limited members are headed for runoffs after no candidate cleared 50% of the vote. The next round is scheduled for March 9, with vote counting still under way on November 4.

Phoenix Runoffs Put Housing and Homelessness in Focus

Phoenix’s upcoming City Council runoffs will give voters another chance to weigh candidates’ approaches to housing and homelessness, two major issues in District 4. No candidate won more than half the vote on November 4, leaving the contests unresolved until March 9.

Ed Hermes, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, led the District 4 field with 39.96% of the vote as of noon. Ashley Harder was second with 12.73%. The seat is open because councilmember Laura Pastor is term-limited.

The race covers downtown and midtown neighborhoods, historic areas and parts of Maryvale. Affordable housing and homelessness have been prominent concerns. Hermes has presented himself as a progressive candidate, while debate over housing also touches on whether new multifamily homes should be built near historic properties.

District 2, where term-limited councilmember Jim Waring is leaving, remained tightly contested. Matt Evans led, while Danny Maza and Julie Reed were separated by about 160 votes. The top two finishers will advance, and the close count could leave the second-place spot unsettled.

The races could bring two new members to the council. Incumbents Kesha Hodge Washington and Kevin Robinson won their District 6 and District 8 races.

Phoenix Voters Face Another Round in Council Races

Phoenix voters have not yet settled who will replace two term-limited City Council members. The District 2 and District 4 races are headed for March 9 runoffs after no candidate surpassed 50% of the vote on November 4.

District 2 remains a close contest among Matt Evans, Danny Maza and Julie Reed. Evans was leading, while Maza and Reed were only about 160 votes apart. All three candidates have Turning Point endorsements and conservative credentials; outgoing councilmember Jim Waring has endorsed Maza. The result could still change as counting continues.

In District 4, Ed Hermes led with 39.96% of the vote as of noon, ahead of Ashley Harder at 12.73%. Hermes, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is seeking the seat held by term-limited councilmember Laura Pastor.

Housing and homelessness are major issues in District 4. The housing debate also includes concerns from owners of historic homes about nearby multifamily development. Voters will have another opportunity in March to decide which candidates they trust to address these local disputes.

The election will also bring new members to the council as the two departing members leave. Incumbents Kesha Hodge Washington and Kevin Robinson won reelection in Districts 6 and 8.