2026 Chandler City Council Candidates

Matt Orlando

Candidate for Mayor

I'm running for Mayor of Chandler because after decades of serving our nation in a military uniform; as a small business owner and many years in high tech industry; and on the City Council, I'm ready to finish the job I started on council in implementing a strong vision for Chandler. I have the vision and experience to ensure Chandler remains a safe, vibrant, and great place to live, work, and raise a family. I was first elected to the Chandler City Council in 1990, served as Vice-Mayor and for over 30 years, I have been proud to help create the Chandler and quality of life that we enjoy today. My top three priorities are: safe and stable neighborhoods; supporting local businesses, good jobs and economic growth; and protecting our quality of life.

Jeff Weninger

Candidate for Mayor

I am running for Mayor because I care deeply about this community and want to make sure Chandler continues to be a place people are proud to call home. Chandler is a strong city, but as we get closer to build-out, leadership matters more than ever. My focus is on protecting what makes our city great while making sure City Hall is responsive, efficient, and accountable to the people it serves. If elected, my priorities will be keeping Chandler safe, supporting our police and fire departments, improving how the city interacts with residents and small businesses, and being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. At the end of the day, this is about service. My goal is simple — keep Chandler safe and make sure City Hall works for you.

Lisa Askey

Candidate for City Council

I have lived in Chandler for over 35 years and have loved every moment of it. That is what motivated me to run for City Council. I want to help continue that momentum and positive energy while ensuring Chandler remains a safe, financially strong, and livable community, especially as we reach buildout. I am both a doer and a fixer. My priorities are centered on maintaining a strong economy by supporting both our small and large businesses, continuous public safety, responsible financial stewardship, and thoughtful growth that supports families at every stage of life.

Angel Encinas

Candidate for City Council (Incumbent)

I grew up here in downtown Chandler, and this city played a major role in shaping who I am today. The combination of work, service and hometown perspective led me to run for Chandler City Council in 2021. I believe our leadership should reflect the real experiences and voices of our community. If re-elected, my priorities will continue to be centered on supporting small businesses and local economic growth, ensuring responsible and thoughtful development, and strengthening community engagement so residents feel heard and represented.

Joe Granado

Candidate for City Council

I am running because Chandler is at a turning point. Growth is accelerating, costs are rising, and the decisions we make will define our future. With limited space to build, we need real thinkers who know how to maximize what we have. Chandler needs real leadership with real world experience building businesses, managing budgets, and delivering sound infrastructure. Not just theory.

Ron Hardin

Candidate for City Council

I'm running because I care deeply about Chandler and the opportunity it provides for families and small business owners to thrive. I bring a track record of getting things done through practical, common-sense leadership. My priorities are straightforward: drive responsible economic development, secure our water future, improve infrastructure, and keep our neighborhoods safe.

Jane Poston

Candidate for City Council (Incumbent)

I believe that the City Council is a continuation of community service that has always been part of my life — much of which was in Chandler, including six years on the Chamber Board. I want Chandler to be a place our kids can continue to thrive — with strong jobs, great housing, safety at all levels and a quality of life that can't be beat. I'm running again because I believe I can be instrumental in helping Chandler move forward as our city is at a pivotal point in its growth.

Cicely Rocha-Miller

Candidate for City Council

I was encouraged by two deeply respected local Chandler leaders who saw leadership in me. I came forward because I care deeply about this community and the direction it's heading. This isn't about me or a future pathway; it's about what I can do for my community. If elected, my priorities will center on public safety, thoughtful city growth, connecting community life, and backing local businesses. I know I will lead with heart first.

Matt Orlando

Candidate for Mayor

During my time on city council, I have worked closely with the Chamber and for many years I served on your educational and workforce committee. Together, we've added thousands of jobs and created a vibrant community of local businesses. I championed Chandler's forward-thinking strategies that balanced drawing in dozens of new industries and being a tireless advocate of local businesses. My aim is to continue to foster an environment where locally-owned businesses thrive, major employers invest, and new job opportunities — especially well-paying ones — are created.

Jeff Weninger

Candidate for Mayor

If elected, my leadership will be focused on making Chandler one of the most business-friendly cities in the nation — not just in words, but in how we operate every single day. As a small business owner, I understand how important it is to have a city that is responsive, predictable, and easy to work with. I also believe in working closely with the Chandler Chamber and treating them as a true partner. I believe in maintaining a strong foundation by keeping taxes low, focusing on core services, and making sure our infrastructure and public safety keep pace with the needs of our community.

Lisa Askey

Candidate for City Council

As a business owner for the past 26 years, I bring a clear understanding of what it takes to build, sustain, and grow a business. That experience will directly shape my leadership. I will consistently evaluate policies and decisions through the lens of their impact on our business community. I believe Chandler must remain a city where businesses have confidence in their local government, with predictable policies, responsible financial management, and commitment to economic strength.

Angel Encinas

Candidate for City Council (Incumbent)

As a small business owner who grew up in Chandler, I've experienced the challenges of running a business firsthand. My leadership would continue to focus on better communication, collaboration, and a mindset of 'how do we get to a yes.' Chandler and our policies must evolve alongside its business community. I am committed to working closely with the Chandler Chamber and our business community to ensure city decisions reflect their real needs.

Joe Granado

Candidate for City Council

My leadership will reflect the values of the business community by focusing on practical decision making, fiscal responsibility, and long term economic strength. As someone who built a company from the ground up, I understand what businesses need — a city that supports growth without unnecessary barriers. Through my role as a Professor at ASU, I stay actively engaged in workforce development, helping prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

Ron Hardin

Candidate for City Council

If elected, my leadership will reflect the Chamber's commitment to a strong, business-friendly environment grounded in stability, predictability, and smart growth. I understand what it takes to run and grow a business, and I'll bring that practical perspective to every decision. I will prioritize policies that support small businesses, attract high-quality employers, and ensure responsible fiscal management.

Jane Poston

Candidate for City Council (Incumbent)

I believe my decision making and leadership is very much in line with the values of the Chandler Chamber and the business community. Not only am I a small business owner and active in the Chamber, I personally believe that Chandler's superpower is the collaboration of city government, the business community, educational institutions and nonprofits. As a Councilmember I have strongly advocated for the City to work collaboratively with the Chamber as it represents the voice of the business community.

Cicely Rocha-Miller

Candidate for City Council

My style of leadership is rooted in actual experience. As a business owner, event planner, and producer, I've spent my career managing budgets, solving problems in real time, and bringing people together to execute a common vision. Chandler's economy is driven largely by small businesses, and I understand the opportunities and the challenges that come with that because my husband and I live it every day. My approach will always be responsible, business-minded, and community-centered.

Matt Orlando

Candidate for Mayor

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would be an important signal of trust and alignment with the business community that has helped drive Chandler's success. If endorsed, I would use that support as a platform to deepen engagement with business owners, employers, and entrepreneurs across Chandler. I would also work closely with the Chamber to ensure the City remains responsive to business needs — whether that's through smart policy, workforce development, infrastructure planning, or maintaining a predictable and business-friendly environment.

Jeff Weninger

Candidate for Mayor

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would mean the world to me, because it's coming from people who are actually out there working with our business community every day. As a small business owner myself, that carries real weight. I wouldn't look at it as just an endorsement — I'd look at it as a working relationship. I plan to stay in close contact with the Chamber, show up, listen, and make sure we're actually addressing issues instead of just talking about them.

Lisa Askey

Candidate for City Council

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is a strong and positive force in our city — not only for businesses, but for the community as a whole. Earning the Chamber's endorsement would be meaningful support for my campaign. It signals to the business community and residents that I am committed to policies that promote economic strength, stability, and long-term success. I would use that support to actively engage with the business community — listening, learning, and bringing those perspectives back to the Council.

Angel Encinas

Candidate for City Council (Incumbent)

Receiving a Chandler Chamber endorsement again would be an honor. Such support is an impactful statement that signals my commitment to the local business community. If endorsed, I want businesses to feel that the city is alongside them, not working against them. This endorsement would be a partnership. I would work closely with the Chamber and its members to maintain open lines of communication, foster collaboration, and ensure that their perspectives are consistently reflected in city decision-making.

Joe Granado

Candidate for City Council

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would provide strong credibility to the business community that my campaign aligns with pro-business values and practical leadership. It would amplify my message to employers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders who are directly invested in Chandler's economic success. My goal is not just to earn the endorsement, but to build an ongoing partnership with the Chamber to support policies that promote responsible growth, workforce development, and a strong local economy.

Ron Hardin

Candidate for City Council

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would be meaningful to me both personally and professionally. As a member, graduate of the Leadership program and supporter for over a decade, I've seen firsthand the Chamber's impact in strengthening our business community. That endorsement would signal to voters and business leaders that my campaign aligns with the values of responsible growth, economic strength, and collaboration.

Jane Poston

Candidate for City Council (Incumbent)

The Chamber's endorsement would signal to the business community that our vision and values are in alignment. My company has been an active Chamber member for more than a decade, and I have dedicated my time personally and as a Councilmember because I believe that the work the Chamber does is incredibly valuable. On a practical side, I would plan to share that endorsement widely through social media and signage.

Cicely Rocha-Miller

Candidate for City Council

The Chamber plays a critical leadership position in molding and supporting our local business environment. Earning their endorsement can signal that my campaign is consistent with the needs and demands of the business community. An endorsement like that cultivates trust. It provides credibility with voters and confirms that I am prepared to represent Chandler thoughtfully and in a balanced way. For me, it's about continuing to show up, listen, and build relationships that last well beyond the campaign.