Kesha Hodge Washington chosen as new Phoenix vice mayor

PHOENIX — Phoenix’s next vice mayor is Kesha Hodge Washington, who first joined the City Council as the representative of District 8 in April 2023.

She first moved to Arizona in 1999 after growing up in the U.S. Virgin Islands and was sworn in as the Phoenix City Council’s first African-American woman.

“Thank you to my council colleagues for the trust and to the residents of District 8 who inspire my work,” Washington posted on X. “I remain committed to leading with integrity and building a Phoenix that works for everyone.”

In an official statement, the newest vice mayor reflected on several of her working projects on housing affordability, economic improvement and community safety throughout her district, which ranges from South Mountain to Camelback East Village.

“I look forward to working closely with Mayor Kate Gallego and my Council colleagues to advance policies that strengthen our neighborhoods, expand opportunity and ensure Phoenix remains a city where all residents can thrive.”

Washington has a professional background in law, clerking at the Arizona Court of Appeals and serving as assistant attorney general after earning a law degree from Arizona State University.

District 4 Councilwoman Laura Pastor offered her congratulations on Wednesday, stating that Washington brings “historic leadership” and “legal expertise” to a position that requires both.

Councilwoman Ann O’Brien is the outgoing vice mayor. She was selected in January 2025.

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