Anita Norton for Mayor 2026

Anita Norton for Mayor

A trusted voice for the people of El Mirage!

Hi! I’m Anita Norton, and for the past nine years I’ve had the honor of serving our community on the El Mirage City Council. I’ve lived here since 2004 and built my life around helping others, as a neighbor, a public servant, and an advocate for families across our city.

My path to public service has taken me through law enforcement, small business ownership, and years of teaching and mentoring through therapeutic horseback riding. Each chapter taught me something important: how to stay steady under pressure, how to listen before acting, and how to meet people with dignity and compassion. Those lessons guide every decision I make.

My experience in law enforcement gave me firsthand insight into the realities officers face and the importance of ensuring they are well equipped to protect and serve with professionalism and respect. I’ve always believed that strong public safety and strong community trust go hand in hand.

In 2018, I founded El Mirage Cares to bring education and resources to families on issues affecting their health and safety. That work later grew into my nonprofit, Love Should Never Hurt, which continues to support families with trauma‑informed, people‑first care.

On the council, I’ve focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and strengthening the programs and partnerships that improve quality of life for our residents. I believe government should listen to the people it serves, act with integrity, and make decisions that genuinely improve lives.

I’m running for mayor because I know El Mirage can be a place where trust is restored, services are strengthened, and every resident feels heard and valued. My commitment is simple: to lead with honesty, to stay steady in the face of adversity, and to work every day for a city government that truly serves its people.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand where our city government succeeds — and where it struggles. Those experiences are exactly why I’m running for mayor.

For years, I have watched our city struggle with a pattern of decisions that were not grounded in law, fairness, or consistent process. Long before I ever served on the council, I saw residents denied rights that state law clearly protected. I saw ordinances applied unevenly, procedures ignored, and rules created on the spot without legal basis or regard for the people affected.

When I joined the council, I hoped to help correct these issues from the inside. I spoke up, asked questions, and pointed to the statutes and ordinances that should guide our decisions. But instead of addressing the problems, the response was often resistance, defensiveness, or silence. Too many decisions were driven by personal preference rather than the law. Too many processes were shaped by who was involved rather than what was right.

Residents deserve better than that.

Our community deserves a city government that:

• Follows the law consistently

• Applies ordinances fairly to everyone

• Respects property rights and due process

• Makes decisions based on facts, not personal agendas

• Operates transparently and professionally

• Serves the public, not a select few

I am running for mayor because I believe El Mirage is ready for leadership that understands the responsibility of public office — leadership that values integrity, fairness, and the rule of law. I want to help build a city government that residents can trust, one that listens, learns, and works for the good of the entire community.

We can move beyond the dysfunction. We can restore professionalism and accountability. We can build a city that truly serves its people. And I’m ready to lead that change!

A healthy city government begins with fairness, consistency, and respect for the law. Residents deserve leaders who follow the ordinances they pass and who apply them without favoritism or political influence. My focus is restoring integrity by ensuring that city processes are transparent, decisions are documented and readily available, and rules are enforced the same way for everyone. When ordinances or codes are outdated, unjust, or used to silence or exclude, they must be reformed openly and responsibly.

Rebuilding public trust requires more than compliance — it requires listening. Residents should be included early in discussions, not informed after decisions are made. As mayor, I will commit to changing the culture of City Hall so that community voices genuinely shape decisions through open dialogue, timely responses, and a commitment to treating every resident with dignity. Trust grows when people feel heard, respected, and part of the process.istency, and respect for the law. Residents deserve leaders who follow the ordinances they pass and who apply them without favoritism or political influence. My focus is restoring integrity by ensuring that city processes are transparent, decisions are documented and readily available, and rules are enforced the same way for everyone. When ordinances or codes are outdated, unjust, or used to silence or exclude, they must be reformed openly and responsibly.

Rebuilding public trust requires more than compliance — it requires listening. Residents should be included early in discussions, not informed after decisions are made. As mayor, I will commit to changing the culture of City Hall so that community voices genuinely shape decisions through open dialogue, timely responses, and a commitment to treating every resident with dignity. Trust grows when people feel heard, respected, and part of the process.

My Focus as Your Mayor

My focus is building a city government that is honest, fiscally responsible and truly connected to the people because that is how a community thrives.

Ensuring the residents voices guide city decisions.

Trust grows when people feel heard, respected, and part of the process.

Whether revenue comes from taxes, grants, or shared revenue funds, it belongs to the community. I will safeguard every dollar with the transparency and discipline our residents deserve. 

Fiscal responsibility means honoring the trust of the people by opposing wasteful spending, preventing unnecessary debt, and ensuring that major projects truly serve the community. I have consistently challenged proposals that burden taxpayers without improving quality of life, and I will continue to stand against decisions that prioritize political agendas over resident needs.

Responsible budgeting is not just about saying “no.” It’s about choosing wisely. That means investing in essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and planning growth in such a manner that protects neighborhoods and preserves our long‑term stability. Most importantly, fiscal decisions must reflect the priorities of the people who pay the bills. As mayor, I will ensure that residents’ voices shape how their money is used, and that transparency is the standard for every financial decision.

Community Partnerships and Strong Families: Lifting Up the People Who Lift Up El Mirage

When spending reflects community priorities, trust in our government grows.

Strong families and safe neighborhoods grow from real partnerships, not politics. Eight years ago, I created El Mirage Cares, a trusted program that for more than seven years provided resources for families facing domestic violence, teen dating abuse, suicide risk, and other trauma. Last year, the city chose to create a new staff position to continue the program I created and led, and they are still using the framework and partnerships I established. My commitment to supporting families has never depended on a title and continues through the values and experience I bring to my community.

That commitment also led me to found Love Should Never Hurt, a nonprofit created to support survivors and strengthen families beyond the limits of city government. During my mayoral campaign, our board has paused active programming so I can focus fully on serving the residents of El Mirage. Even so, the mission continues through shared resources, education, and community connection, and remains a reflection of the work I will champion as your mayor.

Our city is home to organizations doing life‑changing work, including the Dysart Community Center, HeadStart, and other nonprofits providing education, childcare, and essential support to residents. These partners deserve recognition and meaningful collaboration from city leadership. Our city is also long overdue for expanded recreational activities and community programs for all ages, programs that can strengthen families, support mental and physical well‑being, and bring neighbors and the community together. Strengthening our Parks and Recreation Department will be essential to making that a reality.

Families consistently tell me that they would like more activities to connect, such as through recreational and community programs for all ages. As your mayor, I will strengthen these relationships, promote the services they provide, and ensure community organizations are valued as essential partners in building a safer, healthier, and more connected El Mirage.

Championing the well‑being of families as the heart of a healthy city.

Opposing wasteful spending to protect taxpayer money and priorities.

Fiscal Responsibility: Protecting Taxpayers and Priorities

Our entire community becomes stronger when our families thrive!

City Reform: Integrity, Transparency, Trust and Inclusiveness

Community Partnerships and Strong Families: Lifting Up the People Who Lift Up El Mirage

Trust grows when people feel heard, respected, and part of the process.

Gallery

A few moments from my years of service as your councilember.

Joining local families at a community event focused on military service and opportunities for youth sponsored by Congressman Gosar.

Joined the Maricopa Association of Government Management Committee for a special presentation on the Regional Domestic Violence Council.

Delivering the opening remarks at a community forum on Teen Dating Violence awareness.

Volunteering at the Basin Park cleanup on National Earth Day.

A full pavilion at Gateway Park as families, survivors, and supporters come together for the first Walk to End DV in 2024.

A powerful community walk through El Mirage in support of DV survivors during the first Walk to End Domestic Violence in 2024.

Meeting with Congressman Paul Gosar in Washington, D.C. to discuss local priorities and community needs

Joining local partners for a community discussion on vaping prevention among our youth.

Reading to students at a local elementary school and getting great interaction from the kids.

Supporting regional efforts to strengthen the crisis response workforce.

Wrapping up the Governor’s State of the State address at The Barn in Avondale with Councilmember Gentry.

Helping wrap gifts donated for the 119 children at Dysart Community Center.

Delivered a Christmas tree to help brighten a family’s holiday.

Celebrating the ribbon cutting of new El Mirage Library. Once a two‑bay fire station, now a modern, welcoming space for learning, connection, and community.

Helping deliver presents donated by generous donors for the 119 children at the Dysart Community Center.

A quick photo at my Public Safety Day booth — grateful for every conversation that followed.

Cherishing time with my husband and our great‑grandkids during a wonderful visit.

Serving the El Mirage Community

with Heart!

Anita truly listens to us and fights for what our community needs, not what some officials want.

Maria G.

★★★★★

Thank you Anita. My wife and I appreciate the backbone you've showed by stepping into the "lack of leadership" vacuum that has plagued this city for too long. Your strong "leadership," and the calm, graceful manner you've used to demonstrate what true "leadership" should look like, hasn't gone unnoticed, or unappreciated..

Mark Demers

The Domestic Violence event you and your team put together was so well thought out! It was great to see so many community members attend and take the time to learn more about such a prevalent issue.

Vanessa Ceja-Cervantes, MCAO

In Their Words

Councilmember Norton:

I want to congratulate you and our team for a successful event this weekend! Your hard work and dedication truly paid off, and it’s clear that the event made a meaningful impact on the community. Thank you for all your effort to make it a success.

City Manager Crystal Dyches

Anita gets things done!

Douglas Jackson

She was on it! Thank you again Anita Norton but also Anita Norton For Mayor of El Mirage, leadership we need!

Heather Laing

Hello,

I wanted to let you know how thankful we are that you provided the community event on Teen Dating Violence last week.

The information provided was excellent and very well delivered. This is the type of events that out community needs right now. Times are changing faster than a parent can keep up with and our kids are facing challenges than many of us cannot imagine. And definitely may not be prepared for. I have a soon to be 14 yr old daughter who is nor hitting that stage of what I would consider "innocent dating' but after sitting in and listening and learning all the statistics on teen violence, I am shocked by how unprepared we had been. Our eyes are open wider and our ears are listening better to what is going on in our child's life. Please continue to provide these opportunities for parents to come together and learn. 

Thank you so much again. I can't wait for the next one!G

Gladys Rios

Mar. 3, 2020

(To: Ace Carter)

Councilmember Anita Norton-McDaniel has shown exemplary leadership through her work with the El Mirage Cares Initiative and her involvement with the MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) Domestic Violence Council. In response to youth safety concerns in 2018, Norton-McDaniel helped found this city-wide program aimed at tackling critical issues affecting children, teens, and adults. Through free public forums, the initiative educates the community on topics such as drug use, teen dating violence, suicide prevention, and sex trafficking. Although the forums were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program remains active in city events, continuing its mission of promoting the well-being of families in El Mirage. 

Norton-McDaniel has served on the MAG Regional Domestic Violence Council since February 2020, taking on the role of Chair from May 2021 to December 2023. She has led various initiatives aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence throughout Maricopa County and has been actively involved in MAG's Teen Dating Violence Group and Crisis Workforce Group. Her work has strengthened regional efforts to combat domestic violence and support survivors, building partnerships across the county. 

These roles underscore her commitment to addressing both immediate community concerns and larger public safety and welfare issues.

Crystal Dyches, City Manager

October 14, 2024

This email was a recommendation by Crystal Dyches to recognize me for a national leadership award.

Anita Norton stands out as a knowledgeable and fiscally responsible council member for El Mirage. She's voted against unnecessary big-money projects that don't help the residents, showing she'd be an asset to our city as Mayor. 

Terrie Porter