Born in Somerton, Arizona in 1974. Parents were farmworkers who immigrated from Mexico. First in her family to graduate college and to vote. BA from University of Arizona, postgraduate certificate from Harvard Kennedy School. Elected in 2019 as the first-ever female and first-ever Latina mayor of Tucson, and the first Latino mayor since Estevan Ochoa (1875-1876).
RR
Serving
About
Family & Heritage
Youngest of six siblings, born to parents who emigrated from Mexico to Arizona. Raised by farmworker parents in Somerton, Arizona. First person in her family to graduate from college and the first to vote. Married to Ruben Reyes, who was the district director for the late U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva. Has two children.
Political Career
Before Politics
Community organizer and advocate before entering politics. Served as Ward 1 City Council Member from 2007 to 2019, becoming the first woman to represent Tucson's Ward 1. During her council tenure, helped lift Tucson out of the Great Recession and spurred the creation of thousands of high-wage jobs.
Education
B.A., University of Arizona; Post-graduate certificate, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Key Issues & Priorities
Climate resilience and sustainability
Housing affordability for working families
Infrastructure and parks investment
Economic development and small business support
Equitable access and community investment