A local rocket scientist is considering running for Congress.
James Villarreal, a Raytheon employee who has a doctorate in aerospace engineering and teaches at the University of Arizona, filed paperwork late last week with the Federal Election Commission to form an exploratory commission.
A Democrat, Villarreal is considering a run in Congressional District 3. The 22,872-square mile districts that stretches from Nogales to Yuma also includes a portion of metropolitan Tucson.
If Villarreal decides to run, he will face Rep. RaΓΊl Grijalva in the Democratic primary.
Grijalva has been representing Southern Arizona in Congress since 2003.
If there is a Democratic primary, the winner would face a Republican opponent in the general election.
Currently, the only GOP candidate to file paperwork is Tucson artist and author Edna San Miguel.
