By Alexander Lomax

The first campaign finance reports of the 2026 Scottsdale City Council election cycle are in, covering January 1 through March 31. Eight candidates are chasing three seats currently held by Solange Whitehead, Barry Graham, and term-limited Kathy Littlefield. The numbers tell a story of incumbency advantage, an early frontrunner, and a field where the financial gaps are already significant.

Solange Whitehead

The incumbent seeking a third term entered the quarter with $67,345 already banked. She raised an additional $33,550 and spent $5,762.96, closing the period with $95,132.42 on hand. Notable contributors include Axon Chief Customer Officer Mike Wagers ($5,000) and HonorHealth CEO Todd LaPorte ($1,000).

Barry Graham

The first-term incumbent started with $29,555 and raised $20,318 in new contributions. After $12,200 in expenditures, he holds $37,673. His biggest spend: $10,500 to Phoenix-based Primary Consulting for communications and consulting.

Ethan Knowlden

Knowlden entered the quarter with $28,747 and raised an additional $7,506.65. After modest spending of $7,119.57, he sits at $29,913.49 on hand. Former Councilwoman Linda Milhaven was his top contributor.

Michelle Ugenti-Rita

The former state legislator led all candidates in Q1 fundraising, pulling in $38,759.54 from a zero starting balance. After spending $11,025.14, she holds $27,734.40. A $10,682.43 transfer from a predecessor committee and a $6,750 contribution from former legislator Joseph Chaplik anchored her haul.

Eric Sloan

Sloan also started from zero and raised $27,608, spending just $510.02 on processing fees. His cash on hand of $27,097.98 places him fifth in the field. His two largest contributions, $6,750 each, came from Steven and Lisa Stone.

Crystal Carroll

Carroll loaned her own campaign $10,000 and raised $15,825 total. With minimal spending of $342.20, she closes the period with $18,482.80 on hand.

Raoul Zubia

Zubia raised $18,628.47 against a starting balance of $10,718.40. After $13,037.36 in expenses, largely for campaign consulting, he holds $16,309.51.

Bob Littlefield

The veteran former councilmember started from zero, raised $8,630, and spent $3,698.84, leaving him with just $4,931.16 in the bank.

The Takeaway

Whitehead’s combination of incumbency, name recognition, and a $95,000 war chest makes her the clear financial frontrunner heading into summer. Graham also enjoys the incumbent’s edge. Among first-time candidates, Ugenti-Rita’s fundraising totals and political network set her apart; Sloan’s low-burn, high-cash approach is quietly competitive for the July 28th primary.