Gallego, Valenzuela head to March mayoral runoff

A lot could change in race for mayor in next four months

In the campaign to be Phoenix’s next mayor, none of the candidates secured the necessary majority of 50 percent plus one. That means former council colleagues Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela are expected to meet in a runoff election March 12.

While many races across Arizona were decided Tuesday night, early returns indicate that Phoenix’s mayoral election is just getting started.

No candidate secured 50 percent plus one vote — the number required to win outright. Former council colleagues Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela are expected to move on to a head-to-head runoff four months from now.

Republican Moses Sanchez and Libertarian Nicholas Sarwark did not garner enough votes to continue to the runoff election, which is March 12.

Gallego had a substantial lead over Valenzuela, but there’s no guarantee that her success will carry into the next wave of the election.

The March election is expected to have a substantially lower voter turnout than the November election. The types of voters who turn out in March are also typically different than November voters.

Gallego and Valenzuela, although politically similar, have tried to differentiate themselves.

Gallego has come out against public financing of professional sports facilities, while Valenzuela remains open to it. Valenzuela, a Glendale firefighter, has tried to convey himself as friendlier to public safety than Gallego.

Gallego is counting on her momentum to carry her through the next four months. Valenzuela is betting on a campaign reset that will bring focus back to his campaign.

Gallego said she’s gained the support of voters from every corner of the city, and she’s confident that the energy she’s built will continue to resonate with voters.

“People care about the future of this city. I think they responded to my record and my vision,” she said.

Valenzuela said he believes it will be a much different election come March 12.

He predicted it will be less partisan and more focused on the issues, which he said will play in his favor.

“I’m looking forward to March 12 when the people of Phoenix will focus on this mayoral race and I really believe we will see a different result,” Valenzuela said.

Both Gallego and Valenzuela left the council earlier this year to run for mayor, as required by state law.

This means both of their council seats will appear on the March 12 ballot as well.

Five candidates have declared candidacy in District 5 — Valenzuela’s former district, which encompasses west Phoenix. Ten people have declared in District 8 — Gallego’s former district, which contains parts of south and downtown Phoenix.

If one candidate in each of these districts doesn’t win 50 percent plus one vote, they will also have a runoff. That would be in May. District 5 candidates:

❚ Audrey Bell-Jenkins

❚ Betty Guardado

❚ Vania Guevara

❚ Lydia Hernandez

❚ Nathan Schick District 8 candidates:

❚ Gilbert Arvizu

❚ Margarito Blancas

❚ Carlos Garcia

❚ Michael Johnson

❚ Michael J. Langley

❚ Jarrett B. Maupin Jr.

❚ Lawrence Robinson

❚ Camaron Stevenson

❚ Warren Stewart Jr.

❚ Onesimus A. Strachan