Finn Announces Bid for Peoria Mayor

Palo Verde District Councilmember announces candidacy for Mayor and kicks off campaign with endorsements from fellow Peoria Councilmembers. 

Contact: Michael Finn, 623-308-5919

Peoria (December 4, 2025) —Palo Verde District Councilmember and current Mayor Pro Tem Michael Finn announced his candidacy for Mayor of Peoria today following the recent decision by current Mayor Jason Beck not to seek a second term. The long-time councilmember and successful businessman touted his experience and track record in his bid to be the next leader of Arizona’s 9th largest city.

“For more than a decade, I have had the honor of serving the Palo Verde District on the Peoria City Council, including multiple terms as Vice Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. During that time, I have focused on the principles that matter most to our residents – strong fiscal responsibility, safe neighborhoods, and a thriving local economy,” said Michael Finn, “With Mayor Beck’s announcement that he will not seek a second term, the next mayor will need to make sure that we can continue this momentum and finish what we have started. After thoughtful consideration, I believe this is the right time – and that I’m the right person – to keep Peoria moving forward.”

As part of the announcement, Finn revealed that Peoria Vice Mayor Jennifer Crawford and Peoria Councilmember Jon Edwards have endorsed his candidacy.  Their support helps reflects Finn’s commitment to the southern and northern parts of Peoria as well as his ability to work with new and experienced councilmembers alike. 

Peoria Vice-Mayor Jennifer Crawford stated, “Michael Finn has the experience and leadership we need in our next Mayor of Peoria.  He is a true consensus builder, with a proven ability to bring together both new and long-serving team members to strengthen our city.  Since I joined the council, Mike has consistently welcomed fresh ideas while staying grounded in his commitment to practical, common-sense solutions.”

Crawford continued, “Importantly, Mike has shown time and again that he is dedicated to serving every part of Peoria — from our rapidly growing northside to our long-established neighborhoods in South Peoria. His understanding of our city is comprehensive, and his actions reflect a genuine commitment to ensuring that all residents are heard and supported. We have developed a strong, productive working relationship, and I am proud to call him both a colleague and a friend.”

Councilmember Jon Edwards added, “I have worked closely with Councilmember Finn for many years – through both periods of prosperity and of great change in Peoria. Through it all, he has been a man of integrity, committed to doing what is best for our city. He is a champion for the taxpayers and focused on the key issues we need to keep Peoria headed in the right direction.  I am proud to give him my support.”

“I am deeply honored to have the support of Vice Mayor Crawford and Councilmember Edwards to kick off this campaign,” said Finn, “They can both tell you that it was not my plan to be mayor. However, with Peoria at such a pivotal point, and with so many opportunities ahead, they have helped me realize that now is the time for a facilitator and consensus builder to ensure that important projects like the Innovation Core reach the finish line.”

“Peoria is a city with tremendous momentum. From new economic development projects to high-quality public amenities, vibrant neighborhoods, and ongoing investments in public safety, so many great things are happening across our community,” concluded Finn, “I am ready to continue serving our residents with integrity, experience, and a shared vision for our future.”

About Michael Finn

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Finn has served on the Peoria City Council for more than a decade representing the Palo Verde District. During his time on council, he has served twice as Vice Mayor as well as Mayor Pro Tem and has been committed to financial responsibility, public safety, and economic development. 

As a fiscal conservative, Finn utilizes his more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sector to protect Peoria taxpayers and keep taxes low. For the past decade, while also serving on city council, he has been a member of the Executive Leadership Team for a private equity backed commercial heating and cooling company that stretches across the southern belt of the United States. Finn also previously served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Peoria Unified School District – managing a staff of over 400 people and an annual budget over $200 million. During his time, he earned several awards for transparency and helped the district develop a reputation for sound financial management. In addition, Finn brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the private sector with United Parcel Service (UPS) and US Airways. Finn graduated from Arizona State University and has earned a master’s degree in business administration. 

During his time on council, Finn has developed a reputation as a consensus builder – bringing people to address important issues and find creative, common-sense solutions. He has been dedicated to listening to residents and addressing the issues that impact their day-to-day lives. Through these efforts, Finn has been instrumental in creating a more responsive local government that gets things accomplished quickly and efficiently.

Mike has been married to his wife Joy for more than 30 years and, together, they have lived in Peoria for more than two decades raising three children. They are immersed in their neighborhood, schools, and recreational programs. They take great pride in working in their community to ensure that it remains safe and a great place to raise a family.