Maricopa County Elections released its first round of unofficial results for Scottsdale’s municipal elections on Tuesday night, just an hour after the polls closed. The early numbers indicate a very close contest for the two open City Council seats and for three seats on the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board.
City Council Race
In the race for two council seats, newcomer Raoul Zubia currently leads with 40,171 votes, representing 34.23% of the total. Incumbent Councilman Barry Graham follows closely with 38,775 votes (33.04%). Former state representative Michelle Ugenti‑Rita trails just behind Graham, tallying 38,426 votes (32.74%). With the margin between the three candidates measured in only a few hundred votes, the final count will likely remain tight.
School Board Race
The SUSD Governing Board election also features three candidates vying for two seats. Early results show Jennifer Johnson in first place with 36,422 votes (39.39%). Incumbent Amy Carney holds the second spot with 29,322 votes (31.71%). Jeanne Beasley rounds out the field with 26,727 votes (28.90%). As with the council race, the gap between the top two candidates is modest, and a full count could shift the standings.
Bond Measure and Propositions
Scottsdale voters also weighed a $375 million bond request for the school district. Early tallies show strong backing, with 40,671 votes (56%) in favor and 31,953 votes (44%) opposed. The bond would fund facility upgrades and technology improvements across the district.
Two citywide propositions were on the ballot. Proposition 319, which would prohibit new photo‑based traffic enforcement systems, received early approval from 59.02% of voters. Proposition 320, seeking to require public school districts to allocate 60% of their budgets to direct instruction, faced opposition, with 54.31% of early voters rejecting it.
What This Means for Scottsdale
The close margins underscore a highly engaged electorate and suggest that every vote will be crucial in determining the final outcomes. If Zubia and Graham retain their leads, the council will retain a mix of fresh perspective and experienced leadership. On the school board, Johnson’s early lead could signal a shift toward new policy priorities, while Carney’s incumbency provides continuity.
The bond’s early majority support indicates community confidence in investing in educational infrastructure, a priority for families seeking quality schooling for their children. Meanwhile, the passage of Proposition 319 reflects growing concern among residents about privacy and the use of automated traffic cameras.
Final certified results are expected in the coming days as all precincts report. Scottsdale voters are encouraged to stay informed and continue participating in the democratic process that shapes their neighborhoods, schools, and local governance.
Original reporting: Scottsdale Progress — read the source article.
