Local Hip-Hop Star Fabian Danobeytia Takes His Rhythm to Tucson City Council Race

A Tucson hip-hop artist has officially entered the race for the Tucson City Council, representing an intriguing shift in the political landscape. Fabian Danobeytia, known in the music world as Dan,OBEY, is positioning himself as a Democratic candidate for Ward 5, which encompasses the South Side of Tucson.

With a background in software and a commitment to local activism, Danobeytia stated, “Ward 5 deserves a voice that puts people over corporate interests, and I’m ready to be that advocate.” His campaign focuses on improving conditions for working families, immigrants, and those experiencing homelessness. He plans to expand affordable housing, enhance tenant protections, and improve access to essential services.

Danobeytia notably joins a crowded field of candidates in Ward 5, as incumbent Councilman Richard Fimbres, who has held the position since 2009, has opted not to seek a fifth term. Among his challengers are Selena Barajas, Jesse Lugo, and Christopher Elsner, who have filed official statements of organization, with Richard Hernandez and Manon Getsi also expressing interest.

Barajas, a Tucson native and University of Arizona graduate, brings her entrepreneurial spirit to the race as the owner of Luna y Sol Cafe, a new coffee shop in South Tucson. She has garnered endorsements from several prominent local leaders, including U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. Her campaign launch is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, coinciding with a local rodeo event.

Lugo, who previously ran for the Ward 5 seat in 2001 and has a history as a gas station owner, emphasized the importance of core community services in his campaign. He is backed by F. Ann Rodriguez, a veteran of Pima County politics. Elsner, a newcomer to the political arena, is a former Peace Corps volunteer currently affiliated with a University of Arizona initiative.

Candidate Richard Hernandez, who previously campaigned for a seat on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, remains non-committal about his run but has expressed a reluctance to fundraise. He has noted that he avoids soliciting donations to maintain independence in his campaign.

To qualify for the primary ballot, candidates in Ward 5 need to collect a minimum of 252 signatures from registered voters who are not part of the Republican or Libertarian parties. Signature requirements vary for candidates based on their party affiliation and previous election turnout.

Meanwhile, the race for Ward 6 remains competitive, albeit slightly less crowded. Recently, former state lawmaker Bruce Wheeler decided against entering the fray, leaving five Democrats and one Republican vying for the open seat formerly held by Councilmember Karin Uhlich, who is stepping down. Among the Democratic candidates are Miranda Schubert, who has previously run for the seat, and Theresa Riel, a retired educator and board member.

Jim Sinex and Leighton Rockafellow Jr. also join the field, with Sinex advocating for electoral reforms. The signature requirements for Ward 6 candidates include 576 signatures for Democrats, 145 for Republicans, and five for Libertarians.

Republicans face significant challenges in Tucson elections, as the city’s voter registration heavily favors Democrats, who make up approximately 42% of the electorate compared to 22% for Republicans and 36% for independents. While it is rare for a Republican to win a seat—historically, the last success was in 2009—it remains a possibility as the party gears up for this election cycle.

In Ward 3, Democrat Alma Gordon has declared her candidacy against incumbent Kevin Dahl. As preparations for the city’s elections in odd-numbered years continue, the political landscape in Tucson is set to evolve dramatically.