Tucson Immigration Lawyer Sets Sights on Challenging Ciscomani in Southern Arizona’s Crucial Swing District

Tucson immigration attorney Mo Goldman has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to challenge incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani in the 2026 midterm election. Goldman cites his discontent with the current political climate, particularly influenced by the actions of President Donald Trump during his second term, as a motivating factor for his decision to run.

Goldman expressed a sense of duty derived from his family’s history as Holocaust survivors. “If I didn’t try doing this, I would regret that I didn’t go for it during this time where we need new leadership and voices to represent the good people of this country,” he remarked. His concerns focus on the federal government’s stance towards immigrants, a topic he deals with regularly in his practice.

“It seems like a lot of wasted resources on individuals who are not here to do our country any harm and who actually benefit our economy,” Goldman stated. He argues for a reassessment of how federal resources are allocated, emphasizing the need for strategic focus on bettering the lives of citizens.

At 50 years old, Goldman recalls contemplating a run for Congress in 2018, motivated by Trump’s election. However, he ultimately deferred, believing the time was not right. With his children older now and no strong opposition emerging against Ciscomani, Goldman feels compelled to enter the fray. “People in Congress are not stepping up to protect their constituents, which is a fundamental issue I have with Rep. Ciscomani,” he added.

A Tucson native, Goldman graduated from Green Fields Country Day School and later attended Syracuse University, where he studied journalism. He earned his law degree from Hofstra University in New York in 2000 and practiced immigration law in New York for five years before returning to Tucson in 2005. His attraction to immigration law stems from its blend of private practice and public service, allowing him to assist individuals navigating a complicated legal landscape.

Goldman is not the only Democrat in the race; he joins ten others who have filed statements of interest, including JoAnna Mendoza and Chris Donat. Notably, only Mendoza has reported significant fundraising efforts so far. On the Republican side, Ciscomani will likely face competition from candidate Austin Unruh.

The congressional district is predominantly located in Pima County, which houses 74% of its voters, followed by Cochise County at 12% and Pinal County at 10%. The district leans Republican, with 36% identifying as GOP, 31% as Democrats, and 33% as independents. Ciscomani has successfully defended his seat against former state lawmaker Kirsten Engel in both the 2022 and 2024 elections.