Primary Returns Signal Voter Shakeup as Bus Obayomi Surges in Gilbert Council Race

Primary Returns Signal Voter Shakeup as Bus Obayomi Surges in Gilbert Council Race

Early primary election returns in the race for Gilbert Town Council signal a potential shift in municipal leadership, with challenger Busola "Bus" Obayomi securing a fourth-place standing that positions him as a strong contender heading into the general election.

According to initial figures released by the Maricopa County Elections Department following Tuesday’s voting, Obayomi garnered 14,522 votes, accounting for roughly 14.8 percent of the total ballots counted in the early tallies. The nonpartisan primary features seven candidates vying for four open seats on the town governing body.

The initial results show a strong showing by newcomers and non-incumbents. Leading the field is challenger Beth Goulden with 17,125 votes (17.5 percent), followed by former councilmember Bill Spence at 15,615 votes (15.9 percent) and challenger Joel Coen with 15,244 votes (15.6 percent). Obayomi’s fourth-place position places him comfortably ahead of all three incumbent council members seeking re-election.

Incumbent Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni currently sits in fifth place with 13,479 votes (13.8 percent), followed by council members Jim Torgeson with 12,722 votes (13.0 percent) and Bobbi Buchli with 9,311 votes (9.5 percent).

Under Arizona municipal election law, a candidate can win a town council seat outright in the primary only if they secure a majority—more than 50 percent—of all ballots cast. Because the votes were split across seven candidates, no individual contender cleared the threshold. Consequently, the top vote-getters are expected to advance to the Nov. 3 runoff election to decide the final four council seats.

Obayomi, a technology management consultant campaigning on fiscal accountability, managed growth, and enhanced public engagement, currently holds a lead of more than 1,000 votes over Bongiovanni. Election analysts note that while thousands of late-arriving mail-in ballots remain to be processed and tabulated, the initial cushion provides Obayomi with significant momentum as canvassing continues.

County election officials are expected to update vote tallies over the coming days before the official certification of results. Candidates who advance will officially begin campaigns for the fall general election.