Matt Orlando Announces Running for Mayor of Chandler

Matt Orlando Announces Run for Mayor of Chandler

Chandler, Ariz. — Veteran public servant Matt Orlando, a longtime member of the Chandler City Council, officially declared his candidacy for Mayor of Chandler Tuesday night, launching what he describes as a campaign to “build on the foundations we’ve laid and bring a new chapter of leadership” to the city.

Orlando brings to the campaign a deep and varied resume of civic, military and business experience. He has served on the Chandler City Council in multiple stints: from 1990-1998, 2004-2013, and again beginning in 2019. 
He retired with the rank of Colonel after more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and the Arizona Air National Guard.

Additionally, his business background includes senior leadership in global sales and technical programs for major aerospace and defense firms — experience he says prepares him to manage a city of Chandler’s size and complexity.

“Our city is strong — safe, vibrant, and growing,” Orlando said during the announcement. “Now is the time to move Chandler forward with principled leadership, practical solutions, and a focus on neighborhoods, businesses and families.” His campaign website underscores priorities such as public safety, neighborhood preservation, economic development, and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Orlando emphasizes that Chandler has reached a stage where incremental improvements must be complemented by strategic leadership. His argument: after years of growth and infrastructure investment, the city must now focus on “quality of life” issues — from parks and recreation to local business vitality — while preserving the safe and stable neighborhoods that residents expect.

He positions his candidacy as the natural next step for someone who has already contributed significantly at the council level:

* He highlights his role in expanding fire and medical services, and initiating neighborhood-enhancement programs.

* He points to his record supporting local businesses and jobs as the city continues to evolve economically.

* He stresses long-term residency — he and his wife Pat have lived in Chandler since 1983, and their children and grandchildren attended Chandler Public Schools.

The mayoral election in Chandler is shaping up to be a competitive contest, with Orlando entering the race as a well-known and experienced figure. His campaign will need to articulate how his vision differs from current council leadership and other potential candidates, and how he will navigate the challenges of growth, affordability, infrastructure/staffing demands on city services, and evolving resident expectations.

Additionally, there are technical and procedural issues that his campaign and other candidates may need to address — including the city charter’s term-limit language for the mayor and council. This ambiguity was recently the subject of a lawsuit concerning the eligibility of the current mayor, which could influence debates around eligibility for this race. 

Lisa Liu Ritchie, the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Arizona, and Mike Nie, the English Secretary of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Arizona, along with Matt Orlando.

Top Policy Themes

1. Public Safety & Neighborhood Focus – Orlando has committed to continuing investments in police substations, fire stations, and proactive neighborhood policing.

2. Economic Development & Local Business – He emphasizes supporting locally-owned businesses while attracting major employers and jobs to Chandler.

3. Quality of Life & Recreation – He plans to expand parks, recreation and youth programs, strengthen neighborhood codes, and promote community amenities.

4. Fiscal Prudence & Government Transparency – With his private‐sector background, Orlando argues for efficient use of taxpayer dollars, avoiding “political games” and focusing squarely on serving residents. 

What Happens Next?

Orlando’s campaign will roll out volunteer recruitment, petition events to get on the ballot, and public forums. He will need to engage voters city-wide (Chandler’s mayor and council seats are elected at-large) and lay out his vision in ways that resonate across neighborhoods, ages and demographics. 

The coming months will see how effectively Orlando mobilizes support, contrasts his platform against other contenders, and connects his long record with a compelling vision for Chandler’s future.