Tucson City Council Initiates Replacement Process for Ward 5’s Fimbres

The Tucson City Council unanimously voted 6-0 on Tuesday to initiate the process of appointing a successor for Councilman Richard Fimbres. He will resign effective May 1, leaving the Ward 5 seat vacant until the term concludes in December.

Fimbres announced his resignation earlier this month, citing “personal health issues” as the reason. He expressed that serving on the Council had been “an honor and a privilege.”

The Council is tasked with selecting a replacement to fulfill Fimbres’ duties until the term ends. Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, resume, and financial disclosure statement no later than 9 a.m. on May 1. City spokesman Andrew Squire confirmed this requirement.

Candidates will undergo a background check and must meet qualifications: at least 18 years old at the time of appointment, a registered Tucson voter for the last three years, and a Ward 5 voter for at least one year. The Council plans to finalize their appointment at the meeting on May 6.

Rocque Perez, the executive director of the Metro Education Commission, is actively seeking community support for his candidacy. In contrast, Beki Quintero, a member of the Sunnyside School District Governing Board, has stated she will not pursue the position.

Mayor Regina Romero and some council members indicated their preference against appointing any candidates currently running for the Ward 5 seat in the upcoming election. Fimbres confirmed in January he would not seek a fifth term.

Four Democrats initially filed to run for Ward 5 in the August 5 primary. However, Fabian Danobeytia withdrew from the race amid challenges to his nominating petitions. Chris Elsner faces legal scrutiny over his own petitions, posed by Jesse Lugo, another Democratic candidate. Selina Barajas also seeks the seat, while no candidates from other parties have entered the race. This scenario means the Democratic primary will play a crucial role in determining the eventual successor.