By Jessica Boehm | Arizona Republic
November may be long gone, but election season is just heating up in Phoenix.
Former council members Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela resigned last year to run for mayor. In addition to the mayoral race, both of their open council seats will be on the ballot March 12.
District 5, Valenzuela’s former district, covers most of west Phoenix, including Maryvale and Villa de Paz. It’s a largely Latino and mid-to-low-income area.
There are four candidates vying for the council seat, including interim Councilwoman Vania Guevara, who the Phoenix City Council appointed to the temporary position in August.
District 8, Gallego’s former district, includes parts of downtown, south Phoenix and Laveen. It’s historically been a heavily African-American district.
Seven candidates qualified for the ballot in District 8.