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What you need to know about the Phoenix mayoral runoff election

Because none of the four candidates received 50 percent of the total vote, the top two candidates will face off in a runoff election March 12.

PHOENIX — As you may remember from your November ballot, if you voted, you likely already voted for a mayoral candidate for the city of Phoenix.  

This special election was called because former mayor Greg Stanton resigned to run for Congressional District 9 (parts of north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and Ahwatukee). 

Stanton is now in the office formerly held by now-Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who replaced Jeff Flake in the U.S. Senate. 

Despite Democrat Kate Gallego receiving 44 percent of the total vote, she did not reach the 50 percent plus one vote required for an outright winner. The top two would go head-to-head in a special runoff election. 

PREVIOUSLY: Phoenix mayor race heads to runoff election in March

That election will be held just over a month from now on March 12, between Gallego and fellow Democrat Daniel Valenzuela, who received 26 percent of the vote in November's election. The winner will fill the vacancy of this term, which expires Jan. 2, 2020.

Moses Sanchez had 19 percent of the vote, and Nicholas Sarwark got 11 percent.

Gallego is a former Phoenix City Council member who led the campaign for the transit tax. 

Valenzuela is also a former Phoenix City Council member, a Glendale firefighter and is focused on jobs and STEM education.

Gallego and Valenzuela faced off in a debate hosted by 12 News on Friday, Feb. 15. where they discussed issues like public safety and police shootings, light rail expansions and using taxpayer money for construction on sports stadiums.

WATCH: 12 News Phoenix Mayoral Debate

The candidates also participated in a debate in September presented by 12 News and the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute. You can watch that full debate here.

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