6 Hopefuls Step Up for Pima Board of Supervisors Seat

Six candidates are competing for the vacant District 5 seat on the Pima County Board of Supervisors following the resignation of Democrat Adelita Grijalva. Grijalva left to campaign for her late father Raul Grijalva’s U.S. House seat, prompting this search for a successor.

The deadline for applications was at 5 p.m. on Monday, with a decision expected during the supervisors’ meeting on April 15. The diverse field includes former state lawmaker Andres Cano, Pima Community College Governing Board Member Karla Morales, engineer Cynthia Abril Sosa Ontiveros, retired educator Lewis David Araiza, Sr., county employee Kimberly Baeza, and retiree Richard Hernandez.

Cano, who has deep ties to District 5, began his political journey as an intern in high school. After working full-time in the office starting in 2012, he served in the Arizona House until resigning in 2023 to attend Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. “District 5 is where I was born and raised,” Cano stated, highlighting his commitment to the community.

Morales, also emphasizing her connection to the district, is currently vice president of the Arizona Technology Council. In her application, she expressed a desire for transparent leadership, stating, “I bring a record of building coalitions, listening with intention, and taking action that leads to meaningful outcomes.”

Ontiveros, recognized as the 2024 Woman of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, shared her vision for the Board, advocating for policies that address housing, health, and environmental issues. “The Board of Supervisors holds a unique opportunity to champion policies that improve lives,” she wrote.

Araiza, a former teacher and social worker, served on the Sunnyside School District Governing Board. He articulated a vision focused on community strength, stating, “This position is not about me,” and underscoring the need for infrastructure upgrades and resource conservation.

Baeza currently works as a compliance officer for the county’s Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department. In her application, she acknowledged her non-political background, which she believes brings a valuable perspective: “I am trained in science, in community, and in service.”

Hernandez, a self-described political activist, has made previous attempts to secure various local offices. He criticized Grijalva in his letter of intent, promising to prioritize the needs of District 5 residents. “I pledge to not be like the current supervisor who is exclusionary,” he declared.

The League of Women Voters will facilitate an online forum featuring these candidates on April 9 at 5:30 p.m. Three other applicants, Nury Stemple, Dennis Florian, and DeVon J. Hopping, were deemed ineligible due to residency issues, while Trista Tramposch di Genova failed to complete the necessary paperwork despite being a district resident.