By Dustin Gardiner| The Republic
Councilwoman Debra Stark has claimed victory in a contentious race for a City Council seat in north Phoenix.
Stark, a retired city planner, was appointed to the District 3 council seat in June. Unofficial results from Tuesday’s special election show a likely insurmountable lead over Chris DeRose, an attorney and historical author.
Stark was surrounded by dozens of jubilant supporters at North Mountain Brewing Company in Sunnyslope on Tuesday night. DeRose called her to concede the race after 8 p.m.