COLORADO CITY, AZ — The candidate filing period for the upcoming Colorado City municipal election has officially closed, finalizing the field of candidates who will appear on the ballot this summer. Voters will weigh in on the mayor’s office, three four-year Town Council seats, and one two-year Town Council seat when they head to the polls on July 21, 2026.
This election marks a significant milestone in Colorado City’s civic history. For the first time, residents will directly elect their mayor — a change brought about by the passage of a ballot initiative in May last year that ended the previous practice of having the sitting Town Council appoint one of their own to the position. The shift gives voters a more direct voice in choosing the town’s top executive.
The Candidates
MAYOR
Howard Ream (Incumbent) — running unopposed.
TOWN COUNCIL
Dalton Barlow (Incumbent) • John Chatwin (Incumbent) • Laura Timpson (Appointed Incumbent) • Dale Barlow • Shelly Barlow • Lacy Blackmore
Council Race Draws Six Candidates for Four Seats
Mayor Howard Ream, who currently holds the position, is running unopposed and is expected to retain his seat in the new directly-elected role.
The Town Council race is shaping up to be more competitive. Incumbents Dalton Barlow and John Chatwin are seeking reelection to their four-year seats. Also on the ballot is Laura Timpson, who was appointed to fill the remainder of a term previously held by Nathan Burnham.
Joining the incumbents are three challengers — Dale Barlow, Shelly Barlow, and Lacy Blackmore — who will be competing for a share of the four available council seats. The departure of Councilmember Alma Hammon, who has opted not to seek reelection, opens the door for new representation on the council.
How the Election Works
Under Arizona law, candidates can secure outright victory in the July 21 primary if they receive more than 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate clears that threshold, the race advances to a general election in November, where the top vote-getters will compete for the remaining available seats.
Additional information on voting procedures, polling locations, and candidate profiles is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
