Caputi
Ugenti-Rita
Will they or won’t they?
That’s the question in Scottsdale political circles as former Scottsdale City Councilwoman Tammy Caputi and former Arizona State Lawmaker Michelle Ugenti-Rita are causing stir with what they may do next.
Despite raising prodigious sums for her 2024 city council re-election run, Caputi surprisingly came up short. Yet, due to the recent tumult in the city, she seems to be considering either another run for city council in 2026, or sitting the next cycle out and aiming for the office she really wanted to run for in 2024 when it again opens up in 2028: Mayor.
Likewise, six term Arizona state legislator Michelle Ugenti-Rita is being encouraged by many to make a first time run for council in 2026. After the success of conservatives running in 2026 it is an understandable consideration. But with State Rep. Alex Kolodin relinquishing his Scottsdale-based seat to pursue Arizona Secretary of State, it will be this open office that more likely gains Ugenti-Rita’s candidacy. She has never been defeated for legislative office and would certainly start as a prohibitive favorite to replace Kolodin.
Caputi & Ugenti-Rita sounds like a new Italian restaurant on Shea Boulevard. Instead, it, and they, may represent two of the most interesting Scottsdale political ingredients over the next year.