IN FOCUS - June 26, 2026
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Oh, Scottsdale.
City voters are bracing for a contentious municipal election, with a pair of PACs squaring-off against a sitting councilman and two contenders for City Council.
And, of course, at the center of it all: Axon.
This week, Councilman Barry Graham and candidates Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Bob Littlefield penned an open letter to Axon’s board of directors complaining about “what appears to be a direct effort by senior Axon executives to influence the outcome of the 2026 Scottsdale City Council election.” The trio allege this effort has culminated in them being targeted by a pair of PACs: Arizonans For a Better Future, and Better Together. Arizonans For a Better Future was formed by a pair of Axon political consultants, and has received funding from Axon executives. Better Together has the same officers, but its funding is unknown as it is not required to file a financial disclosure until mid-July.
For its part, Axon reportedly said it “has not participated in efforts to influence this City Council race.” The Better Together PAC defends its actions, saying it is “...participating in this election because Scottsdale voters deserve the facts and a serious conversation about the candidates, their records and the city’s future.”
Councilman Graham, Ugenti-Rita and Littlefield have been three of the most vocal opponents against Axon’s proposal to build a new HQ in Scottsdale, namely its plan to build 1,200 apartments as part of the campus. Now, they are the focus of a PAC-led opposition campaign that includes signs on street corners, digital videos and social media.
The Scottsdale drama goes back nearly two years. After Axon won City Council approval for its headquarters complex, a labor union and local NIMBY forces joined together in trying to block the plan via citizens’ referendum. Then, legislators and Governor Katie Hobbs passed controversial legislation that rendered the referendum moot.
Eight candidates are running for three Scottsdale City Council seats; early voting began Wednesday.
