If you’ve lived in Gilbert for more than five minutes, you know that local politics here feels less like a dry government meeting and more like a high-stakes neighborhood chess match. It’s personal. With the 2024 election cycle officially in the rearview mirror—shoutout to Kenny Buckland for snagging that final seat—everyone’s eyes are suddenly shifting toward the August 4, 2026, primary. Honestly, it feels early to be talking about this, but in a town that’s grown from a sleepy hay-shipping hub to a massive suburban powerhouse, the jockeying for position starts the moment the last ballots are certified.
Right now, the town of gilbert council member candidates list is in that weird "early bird" phase. It’s mostly Statements of Interest. That’s basically the formal way of saying, "I’m thinking about it, don’t count me out." Four seats are up for grabs. That is a massive chunk of the seven-member council. We are looking at a potential shift in the entire town’s dynamic depending on who survives the summer heat of 2026.
The Names on the 2026 Starting Block
As of early 2026, the list is a mix of "the old guard" trying to hold the line and a few fresh faces. You’ve got three incumbents who have already signaled they want to keep their chairs. Jim Torgeson, Chuck Bongiovanni, and Bobbi Buchli are all back in the mix. If those names sound familiar, it’s because they were all first-timers back in 2022. They’ve spent the last few years navigating the growing pains of a town hitting its "build-out" phase.
But it’s not just a reunion of the class of '22. We have newcomers like Christopher Kozak, a West Point grad with a transportation background, and Michael Flores, a retired government executive.
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Here is the current breakdown of who has filed a Statement of Interest:
- Jim Torgeson: The business owner known for being outspoken. He’s often aligned with the "reform-minded" block.
- Chuck Bongiovanni: Recently selected as Vice Mayor for 2026. He’s focused heavily on senior care and community ethics.
- Bobbi Buchli: A real estate pro and former Vice Mayor who has emphasized property rights and transparency.
- Christopher Kozak: A newcomer bringing a heavy military and logistics resume to the table.
- Michael Flores: A retired executive who currently spends time as a substitute teacher, bringing a different kind of "on the ground" perspective.
What about Yung Koprowski? That’s the big question mark. She’s currently the longest-serving member behind Mayor Scott Anderson, but she hasn't pulled the trigger on a 2026 run yet. People are watching her closely because she’s historically been a massive vote-getter.
Why 2026 is Going to Be a Pressure Cooker
Gilbert isn't the same town it was ten years ago. We are basically "built out," meaning there isn't much empty desert left to develop. Now, the fight is over redevelopment. That sounds boring until it’s a three-story apartment building going up next to your single-family home.
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The candidates are going to be grilled on three big things:
- Teen Violence and Safety: After the "Gilbert Goons" headlines and the heartbreaking tragedy of Preston Lord, public safety is no longer a background issue. It’s front and center. Candidates are being forced to answer for how the town manages its police resources and keeps kids safe in areas like Downtown Gilbert (Heritage District).
- The Budget Gap: Voters just passed Propositions 497 and 498 in 2024 to adjust spending limits. Even so, the 2026 council will have to figure out how to keep the parks green and the roads paved without the "new growth" revenue they used to rely on.
- High-Density Housing: This is the third rail of Gilbert politics. Mention "apartments" and you’ll get 500 angry comments on Nextdoor. The council members who win in 2026 will be the ones who can balance the need for affordable housing with the fierce desire to keep Gilbert's "suburban feel."
The Logistics of Getting on the Ballot
Running for council isn't just about having good ideas; it's about paperwork and sore feet. To actually make it onto the ballot for August, these folks have a narrow window.
March 7, 2026, is the first day they can officially submit their nomination papers. They have until April 6, 2026, to turn in at least 1,000 valid signatures. In a town of 275,000 people, a thousand signatures sounds easy, right? It's not. Opponents will go through those lists with a magnifying glass to find any reason to disqualify a signature. One wrong address and—poof—there goes a vote.
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Looking Back at 2024 for Clues
If you want to know how 2026 will go, look at Kenny Buckland’s win in 2024. He beat out Aaron Accurso by a pretty slim margin (52% to 47%). Buckland leaned hard on his experience as a retired Gilbert Police Commander. That tells us that the "safety first" message resonates deeply right now.
Monte Lyons also cruised into his seat in the 2024 primary because he hit a specific demographic of voters who wanted a veteran's "no-nonsense" approach.
The candidates for 2026 are likely taking notes. Expect to see a lot of emphasis on "experience" and "proven leadership." You'll probably see fewer "firebrand" outsiders and more people trying to look like the steady hand on the wheel.
Actionable Next Steps for Gilbert Residents
Don't just wait for the mail-in ballot to show up and then Google names five minutes before you drop it in the mail. Here is how you can actually vet these people:
- Check the Statements of Interest: Go to the Gilbert Town Clerk’s website. It’s the only way to see who is actually filed vs. who is just talking on Facebook.
- Attend a Council Meeting: Seriously. They happen at the Gilbert Municipal Center. If you want to see how Torgeson or Bongiovanni actually behave under pressure, watch them during a public hearing about a zoning change.
- Verify Residency: A candidate has to have lived in Gilbert for at least a year before the election. If you hear rumors about a "carpetbagger," the Clerk's office is where you verify the facts.
- Sign a Petition: If you like a candidate, find them at a local park or the Farmers Market. They need those 1,000 signatures by April. Without them, your favorite candidate is just a person with a yard sign.
The primary is Tuesday, August 4, 2026. If no one gets more than 50% of the vote for a seat, we go to a runoff in November. Mark your calendars now, because the town's future is literally decided by a few thousand votes in these mid-summer elections.