here’s a surprise change in the Tempe City Council race in the November general election. One of two candidates for the only open seat has withdrawn.

Councilmember Shana Ellis submitted her paperwork Friday morning to the city clerk’s office. Ellis was one of two incumbents vying for the remaining seat on the council.

In the primary election two candidates were elected for two of the three positions. Ellis and Robin Arredondo-Savage advanced to the General Election in a runoff.

On her campaign website, Ellis posted a letter about her decision.  She thanks her supporters and said, “[a]sking the community to choose between two councilmembers who often have the same ideals makes no sense.” 

Arredondo-Savage is the only name that will appear on the Tempe ballot for city council. Write-in candidates for the general election are possible so long as they submit the appropriate paperwork with the city clerk’s office.