Tucson City Council Hopefuls Set for Thursday Showdown in Forum

Upcoming political events in Tucson are taking shape, particularly surrounding the upcoming City Council and CD 7 special elections. This week, candidates will participate in a forum hosted by the NAACP, marking the first assembly for the Democratic primary.

The forum is set for Thursday, May 22, at the Donna R. Liggins Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with all 11 Democratic candidates invited to share their views. Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in the primary on August 5, with mail ballots going out to eligible voters starting July 9.

In Ward 3, incumbent Councilman Kevin Dahl seeks reelection. Since taking office in 2021, he has promoted environmental initiatives through organizations like the Tucson Audubon Society. Dahl faces competition from TUSD Board member Sadie Shaw, who advocates for deliberate and effective city governance.

The Ward 5 seat is now open after Richard Fimbres’ recent resignation. Candidates include Selina Barajas, who has the backing of local leadership, and longtime businessman Jesse Lugo, who has received Fimbres’ endorsement. Christopher Elsner, a Peace Corps volunteer, also enters the race, marking his entry into public office.

Ward 6 features four Democratic candidates vying for a seat vacated by Karin Uhlich. Candidates include Miranda Schubert, who aims to improve community engagement, and attorney Leighton Rockafellow Jr., emphasizing his legal expertise. Retired educators such as Theresa Riel and Jim Sinex also present their visions for Tucson’s future, advocating for system reforms in local elections.

The current election structure requires candidates to run citywide in the general election, which complicates the prospects for Republican candidates, given the Democratic voter registration advantage. According to recent statistics, Democrats make up 42% of registered voters in Tucson.

In addition to the candidate forums, various political discussions will occur in the coming weeks. Events include a media panel on May 23 featuring Tucson Sentinel reporter Jim Nintzel, and a Buckmaster Show interview with Tucson’s Chief of Police on June 6.

Upcoming debates will highlight key candidates in the CD 7 special election on June 9 and 10, following the death of longtime Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Candidates from both parties will articulate their platforms during these debates, set to be broadcast on multiple media platforms.

Key dates include registration deadlines for voters on June 16 and July 8, with early voting commencing on June 18 for the CD 7 primary and July 9 for the Tucson City Council primary. Election Days are scheduled for July 15 for the special election and August 5 for City Council races.

As Tucson gears up for these pivotal political events, citizens are encouraged to engage and stay informed about their local candidates and electoral processes.