Fountain Hills Election: Race for Mayor, Council Begins | The Locally Times
Residents have just over a week left to vie for Mayor, three Council seats in critical August 4 Primary.
The race to lead Fountain Hills is officially on, with prospective candidates having just over a week left to file for the August 4, 2026, Primary Election. This limited window, which opened on March 7 and closes on April 6, 2026, offers residents a crucial opportunity to shape their town's future leadership. Voters will choose a Mayor for a two-year term and three Councilmembers for four-year terms. The Town of Fountain Hills first announced the election and candidate filing details on January 22, 2026. ## Filing Requirements and Key Dates Candidates face a strict deadline of 5:00 p.m. on April 6, 2026, to submit all required forms in person at the Town Clerk’s Office; electronic submissions are not accepted. The multi-step process begins with a Statement of Interest, followed by nomination papers, a financial disclosure statement, and the collection of petition signatures. The Primary Election is set for Tuesday, August 4, 2026. ## Candidate Eligibility and Support Aspiring candidates for Mayor or Councilmember must meet specific criteria: they must be at least 18 years old, a qualified elector when filing nomination papers, and have resided in Fountain Hills for at least one year immediately preceding the election, as outlined in Town records. Candidate packets are available through the Town Clerk’s Office. For more details or to obtain a packet, residents can contact Town Clerk Bev Bender or Deputy Town Clerk Angela Padgett-Espiritu, or visit the Town's Elections webpage. ## Election Process and Regional Context While Fountain Hills' Primary Election is set for August 4, it aligns with other regional municipal election cycles, albeit with different dates. This places Fountain Hills' initial electoral contest later than its neighboring municipalities. ## Key Questions **When is the Fountain Hills Primary Election?** The Fountain Hills Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026. **What offices are up for election?** Residents will elect a Mayor for a two-year term and three Councilmembers for four-year terms. **How can I run for office?** Individuals interested in running must obtain candidate packets from the Town Clerk's Office and submit required paperwork in person between March 7, 2026, and April 6, 2026.