Southern Arizona Dem Congressional Candidate Donat to Address DGT This Monday

Upcoming political events in the Tucson area are shaping the local landscape as various candidates engage with constituents. Congressional candidate Chris Donat will address the Democrats of Greater Tucson via Zoom on Monday.

Donat, an engineer making his first foray into politics, expressed frustration with the political climate. “I was really pissed off after the last election,” he said. “The sheer lack of interest in following any kind of democratic norms is appalling.” He emphasized the absence of discussions around critical issues like climate change and water scarcity.

“We are running out of water,” Donat warned. He argued that the region must prepare for future energy demands and tackle technical challenges head-on. With fewer than ten engineers in Congress, he believes his background is essential for addressing upcoming issues.

In addition to climate concerns, Donat identifies as pro-choice and champions a single-payer healthcare system. He supports both solar power and nuclear energy while expressing deep reservations about the effects of artificial intelligence on employment.

Donat’s affinity for Tucson began in childhood after watching “Hey Dude,” a Nickelodeon series filmed at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. He moved to the area in 2001 to pursue an engineering degree at the University of Arizona and has since worked for various Tucson firms, including Raytheon.

He is one of twelve Democrats who have expressed interest in the upcoming race, alongside notable candidates such as JoAnna Mendoza and Andrew Becerra. Johnathan Curtis Buma, a former FBI agent arrested for mishandling classified information, has also entered the fray.

The congressional district leans Republican, with 36 percent of voters identifying as GOP members compared to 31 percent Democrat. Most voters reside in Pima County, with smaller percentages in Cochise and Pinal Counties.

Ciscomani, a Republican, previously defeated former state lawmaker Kirsten Engel for the U.S. House seat in tight races during the last two elections.

As political events continue to unfold, various discussions are scheduled. Notably, Tucson Sentinel reporter Jim Nintzel will guest-host the Buckmaster show on May 14, featuring various guests discussing regional issues, including authors and local leaders.

Upcoming deadlines for voter registration and early voting periods are also vital for engaging the electorate in forthcoming elections, ensuring that Tucson residents have opportunities to voice their opinions at the polls.