Pima County Supervisors Matt Heinz, Jennifer Allen, and Rex Scott pose with new Supervisor Andrés Cano [second from left] after he was sworn in for the District 5 seat on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Former State Representative Andrés Cano was appointed to the District 5 seat vacated by Adelita Grijalva on the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
His appointment was approved 3-0 at the Tuesday, April 15 meeting. Supervisor Steve Christy was absent.
“We need somebody in this seat who can hit the ground running,” said Supervisor Jennifer Allen. “Somebody with experience around the board of supervisors, experience around complexities of budget, navigating difficult moments and difficult times, and I think Andres brings that experience.”
Cano got emotional as he addressed the supervisors about a “full-circle moment,” 15 years after he was a youth aide to the late District 5 Supervisor Richard Elías.
“I was taught that government works best when it listens, when it shows up and when it delivers for those most in need. Chairman Elias shaped not just my career, but my heart. He showed me that service is not about spotlight. It's about showing up, no matter how heavy the moment,” he said.
Supervisor Cano then signed his loyalty oath and was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Danelle Liwski.
Board Chair Rex Scott said Cano had received dozens of letters of support.
“It was almost like I was engaged in dialog with someone who was already a supervisor,” said Supervisor Rex Scott.
Six candidates applied for the seat in an accelerated two-week appointment process. One candidate, engineer Cynthia Sosa, said she thought all candidates shared similar ideals.
“Overall, I’m really motivated to see that we are positioned in the right direction,” she said.
Cano was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives for the Tucson area in 2018, until he resigned his seat in 2023 after being accepted to Harvard, where he earned a Master of Public Administration in 2024. He was most recently the Director of Federal and State Relations for the City of Tucson.
Cano also said he would advocate for protections for county employees currently under threat from federal funding cuts.
“To our 7000 Pima County employees. I see you, I value you, and I will work with our friends in labor to fight for the dignity of your work and your wellness,” he said.
Grijalva’s resignation also meant several board positions were readjusted at Cano’s first meeting. Allen was named Vice Chair, Supervisor Matt Heinz will sit on the Regional Transportation Authority in Grijalva’s place, and Cano was approved for the Visit Tucson Board of Directors. .
Cano's appointment runs through the end of 2026.
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