Pima County Supervisor Candidates Heinz and Backer Square Off in Exciting Tuesday Debate

Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz is preparing for a pivotal debate against Republican challenger John Backer this week. The forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson, will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eckstrom-Columbus Library, located at 4350 E. 22nd St.

Heinz, an emergency-room physician seeking a second term, aims to address pressing issues like housing, transportation, climate change, and criminal justice reform. He believes there are significant, longstanding inequities in these areas. “As a county, we must advocate for those who have historically lacked representation,” he stated. Heinz emphasizes his role as a supervisor is to focus on these issues and effect real change.

Backer, with a background in the Air Force and information technology, contends that his experience can help tackle persistent challenges. He criticizes Heinz for alleged inconsistencies in attending Board meetings and for not engaging sufficiently with constituents. “To succeed in any position, one must actively listen to their constituents,” Backer asserted.

In the July 30 primary, Backer secured approximately 62 percent of the vote against Beatrice Cory Stephens. However, he now faces a challenging demographic in District 2, where 41 percent of voters are Democrats, 22 percent are registered Republicans, and 37 percent are independents. Backer previously attempted to secure a position on the Board of Supervisors in 2016 and 2020 but faced challenges from incumbent opponents.

Living in Pima County since 1984, Backer began his career as an Air Force electrician. After transitioning from military service, he pursued academic qualifications at Pima College and the University of Arizona. Heinz, originally from Michigan, relocated to Tucson during his medical residency. He entered politics motivated by concerns he had regarding inequities in healthcare, particularly before the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010.

Both candidates bring substantial backgrounds to the race. Heinz, who won his Board of Supervisors seat in 2020, describes his experience in office as rewarding and impactful. He is eager to showcase the tangible results of his team’s efforts in addressing community concerns.

This week’s debate will be streamed live on the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson’s Facebook page. Upcoming forums include candidates for Legislative District 17 on September 19, Catalina Foothills Unified School Board on September 26, and a meetup between Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva and independent challenger Val Romero on September 28.

Further notable events include a debate on October 7 between U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and former state lawmaker Kirsten Engel, alongside the highly anticipated televised debate on October 9 between Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego, both candidates in a closely watched Senate race.

The final deadlines for voter registration and ballot requests are fast approaching, with the general election set for November 5.