Fourth-generation Arizonan and longtime community advocate Julie Read has officially entered the race for Phoenix City Council District 2, bringing with her a track record of local engagement and bipartisan problem-solving.
Read, a former Deer Valley Unified School Board member, co-founder of BlockWatch Phoenix North, and small business executive, has been a fixture in north Phoenix community affairs since 2016. She told The Center Square on Wednesday that her campaign is focused on preserving the area’s strong foundation while guiding it through its next phase of growth.
“I really want to carry forward the legacy of the councilmen that have served before me,” said Read. “They built a really strong foundation, and I would love the honor of taking that and continuing to build upon it.”
District 2, which contains the largest section of state trust land in Phoenix, is seen as a prime area for development. Read emphasized the need for responsible planning that respects the desires of local residents while addressing future infrastructure needs.
As a Republican candidate, Read said she plans to approach governance with a nonpartisan mindset. “I don’t think that city politics is red or blue,” she said. “Regardless of which party you agree with, we all want the same things.”
Read’s grassroots experience includes organizing more than 6,500 residents to pass bipartisan public safety legislation. If elected, she says she’ll continue focusing on public safety, responsible growth, and expanding investment in arts and parks.
“I’m looking forward to bringing a commonsense viewpoint to the council,” she said, stressing her dedication to safe neighborhoods and the responsible management of natural resources.
Read joins a growing field in the 2026 race to represent one of Phoenix’s fastest-developing districts.
