Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls Announces 2026 Re-Election Bid; Primary August 4

Mayor Doug Nicholls announced Jan. 16 that he will seek re-election in 2026, posting his bid on social media and directing residents to voter authentication resources on the Arizona Secretary of State website. The Arizona Primary Election is scheduled for August 4, 2026, setting the calendar for candidates and voters across Yuma County.

Nicholls, the sitting mayor, used the announcement to thank constituents and frame his decision as a continuation of ongoing projects. He wrote: "Thank you, Yuma, for allowing me to serve! Aiming to continue the work to strive for a brighter and stronger Yuma!" The post also included a link to voter authentication information on the Arizona Secretary of State's site for residents to confirm registration and voting details.

Mayoral campaigns shape local priorities from municipal services and economic development to cross-border commerce and agricultural support that define much of Yuma County life. Nicholls’ re-election bid means the city will soon shift into campaign season, with opponents and incumbents likely to emphasize public safety, infrastructure, water management, and the local economy. For residents, the primary on August 4 is the first electoral milestone in determining who will lead the city through issues tied to the border region and seasonal workforces that drive the valley economy.

Practical steps for voters follow directly from the mayor’s announcement. Voters who need to verify registration status or review authentication procedures should visit the Arizona Secretary of State's website to confirm their information well before the primary. Local civic groups and the county elections office traditionally hold outreach efforts ahead of primaries to assist with registration, absentee ballots, and polling locations.

The re-election announcement also signals an uptick in public meetings, candidate forums, and debates where Yuma residents can press candidates on topics such as downtown revitalization, housing availability, and support for agriculture and small businesses. City council dynamics and relationships with state and federal partners will be central themes as campaigns outline plans for the next term.

Nicholls’ decision to run again starts a formal campaign clock for Yuma voters. Expect a steady flow of candidate statements and local events in the months ahead, and use the Arizona Secretary of State resources to confirm voter status and important election deadlines before August 4, 2026.