From left to right Bryan Hunt, Brian Tyler, Gia Jenkins, Mayor Daren Schnepf, Dan Oakes, Rupert Wolfert, Vice-Mayor Tyler Hudgins. [Photo via Pinal County]
By Pinal Post
Newly appointed council elects leaders and charts nine-month path to municipal independence
San Tan Valley took its first steps toward self-governance on October 1, 2025, as the newly appointed town council elected leaders and established the framework for Arizona’s newest municipality. The seven-member council, appointed by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors on September 17, faces a July 1, 2026 deadline to achieve operational independence.
Leadership Appointed
The council selected Daren Schnepf as mayor in a 5-2 vote, with council members Tyler Hudgins and Bryan Hunt voting in opposition. Four council members were initially nominated—Schnepf, Hudgins, Hunt (who nominated himself), and Wolfert—though Wolfert withdrew before speeches began.
Tyler Hudgins was elected vice mayor unanimously. Council member Rupert Wolfert, who nominated Hudgins for both positions, praised his leadership during the incorporation effort.
“I feel like we need to recognize how instrumental Mr. Hudgins has been in spearheading of the San Tan Valley Incorporated movement. This is something that he was able to bring across the finish line. His ability to be able to mobilize our community towards something that, again, on its face, is not necessarily given, is a testament to the hard work that him and his organization have put in,” Wolfert said.
Council member Brian Tyler seconded Wolfert’s assessment.
Key Appointments
The council made several critical appointments to establish the town’s administrative foundation.
Jordan Rose, founder and president of Rose Law Group who’s been encouraging of incorporation of San Tan Valley for over a decade, said: “Mayor Schnepf and Vice Mayor Hudgins are the perfect people to lead the town! Both are super enthusiastic and have great track records of leadership. Mayor Schnepf has played a huge part in leading the county with his service on the Pinal Planning Commission. Vice Mayor Hudgins’ never-quit work ethic really allowed this incorporation effort to succeed. We can’t wait to watch them make this vibrant area of Arizona even better!”
