Yuma City Council certifies primary election results

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The City of Yuma has officially canvassed the results of last month's primary election, certifying the vote totals and confirming the city's leadership for the next four years.

During Wednesday's regular meeting, the Yuma City Council approved the official election canvass. According to the certified results, 9,938 ballots were cast in the primary election.

Mayor Doug Nicholls was re-elected to a fourth term after receiving more than 73% of the vote.

Mayor Nicholls said he is grateful for the community's support and is ready to continue working alongside the City Council to guide Yuma's future.

"It's about getting to work and continuing the work we’ve been doing and looking to the future," Nicholls said. "And that's really what my focus is going to be on for the next four years. Let's plan the next 20 to 30 years. So as we grow, we grow the way the people of Yuma want it. And not just haphazard growth."

The certified results also confirm the re-election of City Council member Carol Smith, and new electees Henry Valenzuela and Ronald Van Why.

Along with Presiding Municipal Judge Nohemy Echavarria, each candidate received a majority of the vote in the primary, eliminating the need for a general election contest for those offices.

With the election now officially certified, city leaders say their attention turns from campaigning to long-term planning, infrastructure and managing Yuma's continued growth. The newly elected officials will begin their four-year terms on January 1, 2027.