Matt Orlando

CHANDLER MAYORAL CANDIDATE

Evaluation

Voters should think twice before supporting Matt Orlando for Mayor of Chandler. A longtime incumbent who has served on the City Council for decades, Orlando backed Proposition 410 — the self-serving 2025 charter amendment that conveniently eased term limits so he could run for mayor after his council terms expired. This move was widely criticized as a classic insider power grab that puts career politicians ahead of fresh leadership.

He also voted to approve significant utility rate hikes, including roughly 15% increases on water and wastewater bills that took effect in 2026, adding direct costs to Chandler families already feeling the pinch. While campaigning as nonpartisan, Orlando has actively courted and received support from Democratic Party organizations in LD 12 and LD 13, along with public appearances alongside Congressman Greg Stanton. His campaign funding further raises questions, with notable contributions from utility companies like Southwest Gas and Pinnacle West (APS), labor PACs, and even $2,000 from the CEO of a company whose controversial AI data center project the council later rejected. Orlando’s approach to housing leans toward more government-supported affordable units and compatible high-density infill redevelopment, continuing the shift away from Chandler’s traditionally single-family character. For residents who want lower bills, genuine term limits, and truly independent local leadership, Orlando’s record shows continuity of insider politics rather than meaningful change.

We Do Not Recommend this candidate.

Endorsements

Legislative District 12 Democrats
Legislative District 13 Democrats
Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona (Union)
Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (Union)
Arizona Conference of Police & Sheriffs (Union)
Arizona Police Association (Union)
HRC Arizona (LGBTQ+)
Ron (Ronaldo) Pies - Retired City Administrator

On the Issues

Self-Serving Term Limits Change (Prop 410): Matt Orlando supported and benefited from Proposition 410, the 2025 charter amendment that rolled back/eased term limits. It was a power grab designed so that he could run for mayor without having to live by the old term limit rules in the city charter. Big money funded it and put out misleading signs that told voters there was no term limits unless they voted for 410. Voters should reject career politicians who change the rules to stay in power. (AZFreeNews.com)
Prop 410: Matt Orlando for Chandler Mayor, his campaign PAC, donated $5,176.13 to the Keep Chandler Term Limits PAC in the effort to get on the ballot. Two of the unions that endorsed him also gave $2000 each. (ChandlerAZ.gov)
Higher Water & Utility Bills: Orlando ultimately voted for a double-digit utility rate increase. The hikes were to cover infrastructure and costs for issues that had not been addressed during his previous terms. Initially he wanted to push most of the costs on businesses to spare families. But for Chandler to thrive we need a friendly business environment. (azcentral.com)
Partisan Ties: The mayor’s race is nonpartisan, however Matt Orlando has received endorsements and promotion from Legislative District 12 and 13 Democrat organizations. He has also held public events with Congressman Greg Stanton (D) and maintains visible affiliations with Democratic politicians and groups. He also has strong ties with the Police and Fire Union. Do not mistake the union endorsement for an illegal police and fire endorsement. (ld13dems.org)
Political Donations/Unions: Orlando’s largest political donations for his 2026 mayoral campaign have primarily come from: Political Action Committees (PACs), especially labor/union groups. In 2025, he received about $31,000 in PAC donations, including $13,500 from a Food Workers Union local PAC (United Food & Commercial Workers). Firefighters and other public safety PACs have also contributed in past cycles. (yourvalley.net) In Q1 2026, his largest individual contributions were $1,000 each from Southwest Gas and Pinnacle West Capital Corp (parent of APS). Also, $2,000 (May 2025) from out-of-state individuals tied to projects that came before the council. (chandleraz.gov)

It would appear that Mr. Orlando has gained the attention of another site too:

https://orlando.nico.republican/

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