Phoenix City Council voter guide - Axios PhoenixLog InLog InAxios Phoenix is an Axios company.

Your guide to Phoenix City Council elections

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios Half of Phoenix's city council seats are on the ballot Nov. 8, guaranteeing at least one and as many as three new faces on the dais. Why it matters: The new blood could help Mayor Kate Gallego, a moderate Democrat, form a more centrist coalition after getting hamstrung by the council's progressive wing for the past three years. State of play: All eyes are on the open District 6 seat and the District 8 race, where incumbent Carlos Garcia faces multiple challengers. Councilmember Laura Pastor is running unopposed in District 4.If no candidate gets 50% plus one vote, there will be a runoff in March 2023.

District 2

Location: Northeast Phoenix State of play: Incumbent Jim Waring has two challengers but a bucketload of campaign cash and name ID to fend them off. Who's running: Matt Evans: He works for a tech company as a development and IT operations engineer and drives for Uber. He says he represents the "regular everyday hard-working Phoenician." Heli Nielson: She has worked as a marketing and communications professional. She says the district needs a change in leadership to make sure it gets its fair share of resources. Waring: He is a former state lawmaker who has served on the council since 2011. He's been a conservative voice on the left-leaning council, fighting to cut government spending and support police.

District 6

Location: Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Biltmore and parts of north central Phoenix. State of play: It's the end of an era as Sal DiCiccio, an outspoken and combative conservative who's on his second stint with the council, leaves due to term limits. Who's running: Harry Curtin: He is the chief executive officer of BlockDrive, a "software as a service" company. He as someone who would be a "peacemaker" between the council's factions. Joan Greene: She is the founder and owner of the marketing firm Greene & Associates, and a former Democratic candidate for Congress in 2018 and 2020. Mark Moeremans: He is a senior vice president of entrepreneurship and venture development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Democratic state Reps. Sarah Liguori and Amish Shah have endorsed him. Kevin Robinson: He rose to the rank of assistant chief during his four-decade career with Phoenix police. He's got the backing of Gallego, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton and other prominent political figures. Moses Sanchez: A Navy veteran and co-founder of the firm Nonnahs Marketing, he has long been active in Republican politics and ran for Phoenix mayor in 2018. Juan Schoville: The 24-year-old part-time security guard says he's running to give representation to people with working-class backgrounds. He touts Green Party and Libertarian endorsements. Sam Stone: He is DiCiccio's former chief of staff and is running to continue his legacy on the council. He's also the policy director for GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake's campaign. Kellen Wilson: She works for the Unite Here Local 11 union, which represents hotel, restaurant, airport, sports arena and convention center employees and is backed by councilmember Betty Guardado

District 8

Location: Parts of downtown and most of south Phoenix. State of play: Activist and political organizer Garcia shocked some of the City Hall establishment with his 2019 victory. Now he has three challengers looking to end his reign. Who's running: Denise Ceballos Viner: She is the wife of a Phoenix police commander and says she has worked with the department to support at-risk youth and domestic violence victims. She runs a Hispanic parent education outreach group. Carlos Garcia: He rose to political power by way of activism with Puente Human Right Movement, which he from last year. His has made him a controversial figure, but he did successfully circumvent Gallego to with more civilian oversight. Nick Griemsmann: He directs a nonprofit and works with organizations such as Central Arizona Shelter Services and Community Bridges. He says he wants to create unity in the district. Kesha Hodge Washington: She is a former assistant Arizona attorney general who practiced law here for 20 years. She says she's a consensus builder who will bring a fresh perspective. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

More Phoenix stories

No stories could be found Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Phoenix.Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.