Cano Eyes D5 Seat as Hernandez Rakes in $300K and Grijalva Scores Giffords’ Endorsement in CD7

Former state lawmaker Andres Cano has officially applied for the vacant position on the Pima County Board of Supervisors. Cano, who has a rich history with District 5, began interning under the late supervisor Richard Elias in 2007. After working full-time in the office since 2012, he won a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives in 2018, which he held until 2023. He recently earned a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard.

“District 5 is where I was born and raised,” Cano stated, reflecting on his roots and motivation for public service. His advocacy stems from a personal tragedy—the loss of his grandmother due to workplace hazards. Currently, he works as a lobbyist for the city of Tucson. Applicants for the supervisor position have until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7, to submit their applications. County spokesperson Mark Evans indicated that a complete list of candidates will be released later that day.

The League of Women Voters plans to host an online forum featuring all applicants on Wednesday, April 9. The Board of Supervisors is expected to appoint a new District 5 supervisor during the meeting on April 15.

In Congressional District 7 news, former lawmaker Daniel Hernandez announced his campaign has raised over $300,000 within the first week after his entry into the race on March 24. Hernandez emphasized the importance of addressing issues affecting health care and civil rights while promoting community needs.

Hernandez gained recognition in 2011 for aiding U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords after she was shot in an assassination attempt. Giffords and her husband, Senator Mark Kelly, have endorsed another candidate for the seat, Adelita Grijalva—daughter of the late Congressman Raul Grijalva. Grijalva’s resignation triggered the D5 vacancy on the board.

Giffords expressed confidence in Grijalva, noting her commitment to serving the community and her potential to be a strong advocate in Congress, particularly for gun safety and representation of southern Arizona. Kelly highlighted her dedication to education and working families amid broader political challenges posed by figures like Donald Trump.

Turning to regional infrastructure matters, Southern Arizona Leadership Council President Ted Maxwell discussed the uncertain future of the Regional Transportation Authority’s half-cent sales tax. While optimistically stating he wasn’t giving up hope, Maxwell indicated that placing an extension on the November ballot faces significant hurdles. The current tax, approved in 2006, is set to expire in 2026, and supporters originally hoped to renew it this year.

The RTA board is currently reviewing a draft plan for public comment, but achieving political unity for the proposal proves challenging, influenced by recent leadership changes. Discussions surrounding other regional matters, such as the Interstate 10 widening project and federal cuts to Medicaid, were also mentioned.

On the local election front, two more candidates for Tucson City Council filed their nominating petitions ahead of the April 7 deadline. Democrat Kevin Dahl, completing his first term in Ward 3, submitted 780 signatures. Dahl emphasized his campaign’s grassroots nature, while also applying for matching public funds.

Dahl faces a primary challenge from TUSD Governing Board member Sadie Shaw, with the winner proceeding to the general election against Republican Janet “JL” Wittenbraker. In Ward 6, Democratic candidate Leighton Rockafellow Jr. filed his petitions, emphasizing a commitment to fresh perspectives and engaging with the community.

As several candidates vie for open seats in Wards 5 and 6, competition is heating up, with deadlines approaching for signature submissions. The coming weeks promise to shape the political landscape as candidates gear up for the upcoming elections in Tucson.