Democrat Barajas Kicks Off Tucson City Council Bid with Spectacular Launch Party

Democrat Selina Barajas announced her candidacy for the Tucson City Council on Saturday, aiming to renew engagement with the community and advocate for the needs of families. At her campaign launch for the Ward 5 seat, she emphasized the necessity for safer streets, improved parks, clean water, and affordable housing. Barajas believes that investing in the community will strengthen Tucson for future generations.

Her kickoff event, held at Taquería La Esquina, attracted over 100 supporters. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero expressed enthusiasm for Barajas’s leadership potential, stating she would tirelessly work to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Romero praised retiring Councilman Richard Fimbres for his decades of service, marking an opportunity for new leadership in the South Side ward.

Barajas enters the race with significant endorsements from various local leaders, including U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva and Ward 1 Councilmember Lane Santa Cruz. A University of Arizona graduate, she holds a master’s degree in planning from UCLA and has managed community investment initiatives through the Sunnyside Foundation. Barajas is also opening a coffee shop in South Tucson with her husband.

Her campaign location was deliberately chosen, as it has deep roots in the South Side community where she grew up. Barajas recalled memories from her childhood at nearby El Pueblo Neighborhood Center and the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, reinforcing her deep connection to the area.

Barajas is one of six Democrats slated to compete for the Ward 5 seat in the upcoming August primary. Among her rivals is Jesse Lugo, who has previously run for the position and emphasizes the need for enhanced city services, including public safety and infrastructure. He is known for his local charitable efforts and has garnered community support.

Other candidates include Christopher Elsner, a Peace Corps veteran focused on housing and climate resilience, and newcomers Fabian Danobeytia and Manon Getsi. Each candidate is working to meet the necessary signature requirements to qualify for the ballot by the April deadline.

In Ward 6, four Democrats and one Republican are competing for the seat previously held by outgoing Councilmember Karin Uhlich. The Democratic candidates are diverse, ranging from community advocates to educators, with concerns focused on infrastructure and electoral reform.

As the election cycle progresses, no Republican or Libertarian candidates have emerged in Wards 3 or 5. The political landscape remains heavily tilted toward Democrats, who hold a substantial voter registration advantage in Tucson.

Tucson’s elections, held in odd-numbered years, continue to engage a community eager for local representation. As campaigns unfold, the city’s residents are poised to witness significant transformations in their leadership.