Extended campaign for Phoenix mayor will be decided Tuesday

March 11, 2019

PHOENIX – Eight months after the race began and four months after the general election triggered a runnoff, the voters will decide which former City Council member – Kate Gallego or Daniel Valenzuela – will be the next mayor of the fifth largest city in the country.

Gallego campaigned on fiscal responsibility and addressing such issues as homelessness, whereas Valenzuela, who is also a firefighter, focused on public safety and economic growth.

Both have staunch disagreements over how to handle the controversial agreement to renovate Talking Stick Resort Arena, which the city owns. The subject was heavily talked about at recent debates between the candidates, both of whom are Democrats.

Polls are open Monday until 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Two special elections for District 5 and District 8 of the City Council – the seats Gallego and Valenzuela resigned – also are on the ballot.