Tucson City Council Race Heats Up with a Dozen Aspiring Candidates

A total of twelve candidates have officially filed to run for Tucson City Council in Wards 3, 5, and 6, just ahead of the Monday deadline for paperwork submission. However, the candidate list remains tentative, as legal challenges could potentially arise.

Among the candidates, only two Republicans have entered the race, while the Democratic Party boasts ten candidates. Notably, there are no Libertarian or independent candidates contesting the positions. Given the dynamics of Tucson’s election system, Republican candidates face significant challenges. In the primary, candidates must run within their wards, but the general election is citywide, where Democrats hold a substantial voter registration advantage.

Currently, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two to one, making up 42% of the electorate, compared to 22% for Republicans and 36% for independents. Regardless of the election outcome, Tucson’s City Council will experience changes, as two incumbents have opted not to seek re-election. Below is a breakdown of the races.

Ward 3

In Ward 3, incumbent Councilman Kevin Dahl, a Democrat, is seeking re-election after first being elected in 2021. Dahl, who has a background with environmental organizations like the Tucson Audubon Society, submitted 779 signatures. He faces competition from TUSD Boardmember Sadie Shaw, who filed 780 signatures and aims to promote thoughtful decision-making in the Council.

The winner from the Aug. 5 primary will contend against Republican Janet “JL” Wittenbraker, who has previously run for mayor and Pima County Board of Supervisors. Wittenbraker, having filed 206 signatures, emphasizes the need for a diverse council for Tucson’s benefit.

Ward 3 Republicans needed 114 valid signatures to qualify, while Democrats required 391.

Ward 5

Ward 5 is currently an open seat as incumbent Richard Fimbres will not seek a fifth term. Four Democrats have declared their candidacies. Selina Barajas, a University of Arizona graduate with a master’s from UCLA and experience at the Sunnyside Foundation, filed 495 signatures backed by prominent endorsements, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.

Another contender, Jesse Lugo, submitted 503 signatures. A long-time local businessman, Lugo has political experience, having previously run for the Arizona House and the Ward 5 seat. Rookie candidate Christopher Elsner, who previously served in the Peace Corps, also filed, alongside hip-hop artist Fabian Danobeytia, who submitted 258 signatures—barely above the required minimum.

No Republican candidates have stepped forward in Ward 5.

Ward 6

In Ward 6, four Democrats and one Republican have filed to run. With no incumbent in the race, as Democrat Karin Uhlich chose not to pursue a full term, the field remains competitive. Democratic candidate Miranda Schubert returned 1,151 signatures and has a history of community involvement.

Leighton Rockafellow Jr., making his first run for office, submitted 815 signatures. Other candidates include Pima Community College Boardmember Theresa Riel and retired educator Jim Sinex. Republican candidate Jay Tolkoff managed to file 216 signatures.

Signature requirements varied, with Democrats needing 576 signatures and Republicans 145 in Ward 6. Tucson’s city elections take place in odd-numbered years, separate from federal election cycles. In 2023, Mayor Regina Romero and Councilmembers for Wards 1, 2, and 4 were elected to four-year terms.