Scottsdale residents will head to the polls this month for a decisive runoff that will fill two seats on the City Council. The race features three candidates who all claim to be “raised and educated in Scottsdale,” but each brings a distinct political perspective.
Candidate backgrounds
Barry Graham is a certified public accountant who grew up near Cactus Road before leaving for college and graduate school in Boston. After returning, he served on several local boards and was first elected to council in 2021. Graham has positioned himself as the leader of the council’s conservative bloc, championing the repeal of the city’s sustainability plan, the cancellation of the North Scottsdale roundabout, and the defunding of the Office of Diversity. An independent panel once ruled he violated city ethics rules, a finding that sparked debate among his peers but resulted in no formal penalty.
Graham’s family life is a frequent talking point; he lives with his wife Farrah, their twin boys and a cat just a mile from City Hall. He says his motivation for seeking re‑election is simple: “For them,” referring to his children.
Michelle Ugenti‑Rita grew up in Scottsdale and later built a career in commercial real‑estate after graduating from Arizona State University. She entered politics by winning a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives in 2009 and served there for twelve years. After a series of defeats in higher‑profile races, Ugenti‑Rita turned her attention back to local government, emphasizing her long‑standing ties to the community and a desire to protect families from policies she views as risky, such as the city’s recycled‑water initiatives.
Ugenti‑Rita’s campaign style is unapologetically bold; she often cites the slogan on her shirt, “Well‑behaved women rarely make history.” She also highlights her personal resilience, noting that she has balanced a demanding political career with raising children as a single parent.
Raoul Zubia is the sole Democrat in the runoff. While the source provides fewer personal details about Zubia, he is described as having a different political lens than Graham and Ugenti‑Rita. Zubia’s campaign focuses on community‑focused issues and aims to offer a progressive alternative to the council’s current direction.
What’s at stake
The runoff will determine whether Scottsdale continues on the conservative‑leaning path set by Graham’s bloc or shifts toward a more balanced council that includes a Democratic voice. Key issues likely to dominate the campaign include the city’s approach to sustainability projects, infrastructure planning such as the controversial roundabout, and the future of the Office of Diversity.
Local voters have already expressed strong opinions about the candidates. Graham has faced criticism from a political action committee that labels him “Barry‑bashers,” while Ugenti‑Rita has been praised for her tenacity after multiple electoral setbacks. Zubia’s supporters argue that his perspective is needed to ensure all Scottsdale residents are heard.
Election logistics
The runoff will be held on November 3, with two seats available. Voters can cast ballots for up to two candidates; the top two vote‑getters will win the seats. Early voting locations and hours are posted on the City of Scottsdale website.
All three candidates have emphasized their commitment to families, local schools, and the values that have long defined Scottsdale. As the election approaches, community members are encouraged to attend candidate forums, review each candidate’s platform, and participate in the democratic process that shapes the future of their hometown.
Original reporting: Scottsdale Progress — read the source article.
