Bobby Nichols

Bobby Nichols is an American attorney and politician, serving as a member of the Tempe City Council. He was elected in the May 19, 2026 runoff election and is scheduled to take office on July 1, 2026.

Early life and education Nichols' family moved to Tempe in 2001, when he was seven years old. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2016.

Tempe City Council In 2026, Nichols ran for one of three At-Large seats on the Tempe City Council in a nonpartisan election.

Nichols campaigned on affordability, upzoning and social housing, expanded public transit, universal preschool, shelters and cooling stations for unhoused residents, sanctuary city non-cooperation with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and an increased tax on short-term rentals and commercial leases.

Nichols identifies as a democratic socialist. Nichols was endorsed by Bernie Sanders, and national DSA. Nichols is a member of DSA's Red Star Caucus.

In the primary, incumbent Arlene Chin was elected outright, while Nichols advanced to the runoff as one of 4 candidates for 2 remaining seats. In the runoff, Nichols and Brooke St. George defeated incumbents Jennifer Adams and Berdetta Hodge.

Electoral history