CHANDLER, AZ (AZ Family) — Election day is on November 5, and early voting is underway. Here’s a look at the top races to watch in the East Valley.

Mayor of Scottsdale

President David Ortega faces challenger Lisa Borowsky again in November.

Ortega promotes successful adoption of a new master plan that seeks to preserve certain aspects of Scottsdale’s tourism reputation and distinctive character while balancing the needs of a growing community.

Borowsky, a lifelong resident of Scottsdalesays the ideals of “fiscal conservatism” helped the city recover from the Great Depression. She has extensive experience in community involvement, including the Scottsdale Charros Foundation and served on several committees during her time on the city council.

For an in-depth analysis, click/press here.

Mayor Mesa

A current council member and a former mayor are vying to represent Arizona’s third-largest city.

Scott Smith, who served as mayor from 2008 to 2014, is running against Mark Freeman.

On his campaign website, Smith shows successes during his time as mayor and claims to be the only candidate supported by both the city’s police and fire unions.

Freeman, also a Republican, represents District 1 on the City Council, says his experience and leadership experience in agriculture and firefighting can help improve Mesa’s quality of life.

Although the race is nonpartisan, both identify as Republicans.

For an in-depth analysis, click/press here.

Chandler City Council

It’s a runoff for the third and final seat on the council. Christine Ellis and Joseph Yang will face off. The other two places that were open were won by OD Harris and Jennifer Hawkins in the primary elections in July.

Ellis was born and raised in Haiti before moving to the US and Chandler in the 1980s. She wants to empower entrepreneurs and embrace the city’s diversity. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce endorsed it.

Yang is a small business owner who volunteers at the city’s police department. He says he’s running to continue supporting public safety and growing the city’s workforce. The Maricopa County College Police Officers Association endorsed Yang.

Mayor of Fountain Hills

Speaker Ginny Dickey faces Gerry Friedel in a November runoff.

Dickey was elected in 2018 and then re-elected in 2020 and 2022. She says the city is at a crossroads and wants Fountain Hills to attract a growing multigenerational population so it doesn’t just become a retirement community.

Friedel was a community banker for almost 40 years and is finishing his first term in the City Council. His focus for the future of Fountain Hills is fiscal responsibility, quality of life by preserving the small town atmosphere, and economic development.

Fountain Hills City Council

Two seats are up for grabs after Gayle Earle was elected in the July 30 primary. Candidates include Peggy McMahon, Clayton Corey, Matthew Corrigan and Rick Watts.

Peggy McMahon is the only incumbent since Friedel is running for mayor and was elected in 2020. She has been with the city since 2001. McMahon says she is focused on making Fountain Hills a safer place, fixing infrastructure, supporting the new fire department and cooperation with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. on a security contract.

Clayton Corey is more than eight years old in serving Fountain Hills and received an “A” report from the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce. He is rolling out his plan to improve infrastructure, attract new families with a vibrant community and responsible development.

Mathew Corrigan worked in sales and owned a small business. He fears Fountain Hills is headed down the wrong path and supports illegal camping bans and rough handling, plus more funding for roads and infrastructure.

Rick Watts was in Fountain Hills for more than 35 years and started several businesses before retiring. He wants to stop the manipulation and wants a competitive bidding process for big projects.

Gilbert sentences

Prop 497: Voters are asked to approve a $1.5 million increase to the city’s spending capwhat is the spending limit for municipal services and programs.

Prop 498: This is related to Prop 497. It would allow for capital improvement projectssuch as works on public buildings or infrastructure, should not be counted against the expenditure limit. Officials say if it weren’t for the spending cap, the city would finance the projects with cash instead of using a bond.

Gilbert City Council Elections

Primary voters chose Monte Lyons to fill one of the two open seats, so that means Aaron Accurso and Kenny Buckland will face off in November for the final spot.

Accurso has been in Gilbert since 2007 and says he wants to make sure the city “grows in a responsible way while preserving our heritage and values.” Its goals are families first, safe communities and responsible government.

Buckland spent 23.5 years in law enforcement and then owned a small business. The four pillars of his campaign are public safety, sustainable infrastructure, promoting small businesses and improving the quality of life.

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