Yuma City Council candidates react to early polls

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Karen Watts and Deputy Mayor Chris Morris were able to share with us their initial reactions to the early results. 

"I feel really good, you know," said the Deputy Mayor.

"I'm very honored and happy to be you know in the first place," said Watts.

Watts previously served on the council from 2017 to 2022, and she says her team and work with the city have helped her gain support.

"I put the time in so they know and plus I’ve been in the council before and I've run for mayor so there's a lot of name recgonition but also just putting in your time I’ve put in a lot of community service," said Watts.

Deputy Mayor Morris, who is the only incumbent running, has served from 2020 to 2024.

Morris says he thinks people have recognized both candidates for their experience.

"I think it's as people are familiar with the jobs that we've done. My opponent has been on the council before and then I've been on the council for this last term and I want to say I've done the best that I can during that time," said Deputy Mayor Morris.

As of now, no candidates have received 50% of the votes so they will all move on to the general election.

These candidates are now looking forward to going into the general election.

"We've been going strong and we've been doing that in the summer when its 110 [degrees], so from here on it'll get a little bit easier after we get through that August month but no we're going to keep going strong," said Watts.

"I'm excited about talking about the subject matter the actual platform and the policies that we have in place and so I’m looking forward to debates," said Deputy Mayor Morris.

 The candidates are holding a candidate forum where they will answer questions submitted by the public next Monday at Yuma Regional Medical Center at 6 p.m.