PHOENIX — Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski will face a recall election, likely in May, after an opposition group gathered enough signatures to force a vote.

An opposition group, calling itself the Urban Phoenix Project PAC, began collecting signatures in August and said it turned in 2361 signatures in early December. On Thursday, the group posted the city clerk's certification of the 1331 signatures needed for the recall, an action ABC15 has confirmed.

UPPP says Nowakowski has misrepresented his district, complaining about a downtown land deal involving Nowakowski's private employer. The group argues Nowakowski has endangered funding for the light rail expansion in South Phoenix.

The recall petition also cites comments Nowakowski made disparaging the LGBT community. Some LGBT leaders have called on Nowakowski to resign.

Nowakowski releasing a statement to ABC15:

"I am disappointed that a radial special interest group, who's (sic) singular agenda to suppress the voices of district 7 residents is leading this senseless and costly recall. I remain faithful and committed to the diversity of needs of our neighborhoods and families of district 7."

Nowakowski could still challenge the signatures in court, although he hasn't said whether he intends to do so.