Councilwoman Karen Watts, a Yuma native, is deeply committed to public service and leadership within her community. With five years of experience on the Yuma City Council, including one year as Deputy Mayor, she is well-prepared and eager to begin her second term.

Karen is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a broad medical background and has successfully operated her private practice in Yuma for over 17 years. Her diverse professional experience includes roles as a flight nurse, primary care provider for both adults and children, hospice care provider, substance abuse treatment practitioner, and forensic nurse examiner. Karen is also a proud member of the Amberly’s Place Hall of Fame and currently serves as their Medical Coordinator.

A strong advocate for public service, Karen is an active member of both the local NAACP and the Rotary Club of Yuma Crossing. She and her husband, Mike Mitchell, have four children and five grandchildren.

Councilwoman Watts was re-elected to the Yuma City Council in the August 2024 Primary. She remains dedicated to fostering a heat-resilient community, collaborating with the Mayor and fellow Council members to address complex challenges, and bringing a solutions-driven approach to her work on the Council.