Gila Bend council approves resolution certifying primary results, authorizes recount petition

The Gila Bend Town Council on July 30 approved Resolution No. 26-08 to adopt the results of the July 21, 2026 Primary Election and to authorize a petition to Maricopa County Superior Court seeking an automatic recount for a contested council seat. "Three candidates for Town Council were declared elected based on receiving the highest number of votes and a majority of the votes cast," said Amy Chan, representing Pierce Coleman, as she summarized the canvass and legal next steps.

Vice‑Mayor Chris Riggs moved to approve the resolution and Councilmember Fernando Fernandez seconded; the motion passed unanimously with six ayes and one member absent. The resolution both certifies the election results that are not in dispute and certifies the facts required to trigger the automatic recount process for the remaining seat. Amy Chan told the council that if the recount produces a clear winner the Town Clerk will issue a Certificate of Election; if the recount remains tied, Arizona law provides a statutory process to determine the winner. Because both contested candidates received a majority of votes under state law, Amy Chan said there will not be a runoff election.

The council convened the special meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Hall and adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Mayor Tommy Sikes presided. The council authorized filing the petition in Maricopa County Superior Court to obtain the recount ordered under state procedures, and the Town Clerk will act on certification or follow the court-determined outcome once the recount is completed.