Tucson Mayor Regina Romero will not seek to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the death of Raúl Grijalva.
"I remain devastated by the passing of my friend and mentor, Representative Raúl Grijalva," said Romero, the focus of much speculation as a potential candidate for the post.
"I, along with many others who worked with him, organized with him, and were brought into politics by him, remain committed to fighting for working families, good jobs, our children and elders, our environment and our Democratic values," Romero said in the statement. "I know that serving as the Mayor of Tucson is a distinct honor and is the best way for me to continue our work on behalf of Tucson."
Romero's announcement squashes widespread speculation that she's be a top contender to replace the longtime Tucson Congressman, including from the Arizona Republic and the Associated Press.
Mayor Regina Romero said Friday in a written statement that she will not seek to fill the seat left vacant by the death Thursday of Tucson Congressman Raúl Grijalva.
Grijalva had been fighting lung cancer for about a year, and his death Thursday morning at age 77 was due to complications from cancer treatment, his office said.
On Friday evening, in a process set by Arizona law, Gov. Katie Hobbs set the dates for a primary election and a general election to fill Grijalva's congressional seat.
