Harry Mitchell obit

Former Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell has died at age 86, family announces

Mitchell was Mayor from July 1978 to July 1994 

He was not on the list.

TEMPE, AZ — Former Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell has died; he was 86, his family announced on social media Wednesday.

His son, Mark Mitchell, wrote in a Facebook post that "While we are grieving, we are filled with immense gratitude for the immeasurable joy our Dad brought into this world. He taught us how to live fully, love fiercely, and serve faithfully."

Mitchell was Mayor from July 1978 to July 1994.

Arizona State Secretary Adrian Fontes shared the following statement, read below:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Arizona Congressman Harry Mitchell. His life was marked by dedicated service and a genuine commitment to the people of Arizona and communities he served.

Congressman Mitchell’s contributions and legacy will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him, learning from, and working alongside him. During this difficult time, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who are mourning his loss.

Our thoughts are with those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.”

Tempe Mayor Corey Woods shared a statement following Mitchell's death:

“There is no part of Tempe that has not been influenced by the legacy of The Honorable Harry Mitchell. During his 24 years on the Tempe City Council (16 of those as Mayor) he voted to build our iconic City Hall in Downtown Tempe. He was also a huge advocate for the Rio Salado Project, which eventually resulted in the creation of Tempe Town Lake.

He went on to represent our city in the Arizona State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Our City is truly grateful for the lifetime of leadership that he has left us.

The Honorable Harry Mitchell is a bonafide legend and was a true statesman in every way. He will be dearly missed by each and every one of us.”

U.S. Representative Greg Stanton shared the following statement:

“Harry Mitchell was as Tempe as it gets.

Born and raised here, he graduated from Tempe High, attended Arizona State University, and returned to teach American Government at his alma mater for three decades, shaping generations of young minds along the way.

He gave decades of his life to the city he loved, serving on the Tempe City Council, as Mayor, and representing the area in the Arizona Senate. He worked to revitalize downtown Tempe, working hand in hand with ASU and local stakeholders, and played a key role in bringing Tempe Town Lake to life. His fingerprints are on nearly every corner of his hometown.

Running for Congress was the culmination of a lifetime of service. A Blue Dog through and through, Harry frequently reached across the aisle—but he was never afraid to take a hard vote. He lost his seat in Congress after voting for the landmark Affordable Care Act, extending health coverage to tens of thousands of his constituents. But he never regretted it, not for a moment. That was Harry: a public servant who put people before politics, always.

I'm sending my condolences to his children, Mark and Amy, and grandchildren.”

No other details have been released at this time.

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives

from Arizona's 5th district

In office

January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2011

Preceded by    J. D. Hayworth

Succeeded by  David Schweikert

Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party

In office

2005–2006

Preceded by    Jim Pederson

Succeeded by  David Waid

Member of the Arizona Senate

from the 17th district

In office

January 1, 2003 – March 29, 2006

Preceded by    Brenda Burns

Succeeded by  Ed Ableser

Member of the Arizona Senate

from the 27th district

In office

January 1, 1999 – January 1, 2003

Preceded by    Gary Richardson

Succeeded by  Jorge Luis Garcia

30th Mayor of Tempe

In office

July 6, 1978 – July 14, 1994

Preceded by    William LoPiano

Succeeded by  Neil Giuliano

Personal details

Born    Harry Everett Mitchell

July 18, 1940

Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.

Died    July 29, 2026 (aged 86)

Party    Democratic

Spouse Marianne Prevratil ​(m. 1962)​

Education        Arizona State University, Tempe (BA, MPA)