As soon as the state budget is signed and the legislature adjourns, Rep. Andrés Cano resigns from his seat and begins his studies at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. The Democratic leader of the Arizona House of Representatives was elected for the first time in 2018.
Kano, who represents Tucson and the 20th Legislative District, called the move “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” A former aide to the late Pima County Superintendent Richard Elias, the 30-year-old legislator has been in politics since he was 14, as an intern and employee. He was elected for a third term.
“I am committed to the state’s budget process moving forward to the end,” he said, announcing his impending resignation this weekend.
“As a first-generation college graduate, I never dreamed I would have this opportunity, but the time has come. Simply put, for the people of Arizona and our country. I want to do more to prepare for the next chapter of public service,” Kano said.
He will study public administration at Harvard University beginning in July as part of a year-long program.
While Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Republican-dominated Congress appear to be close to approving the spending package, state legislators have yet to draft a budget. It often approaches the 30th.
Kano’s seats will be filled by appointed representatives who will serve the remaining two-year term ending after the November 2024 election.
Under state law, the Pima County Board of Supervisors must choose a successor who lives in the constituency and is a member of the same political party as the elected representative. A legislative district party district leader forwards the names of her three Democrats as candidates for the seat.
Among those potentially seeking the nomination are former state legislator Tom Przelski (who said he was “considering” it) and former city council challenger Miranda Schubert (she’s Former state congressman Matt Kopech told The Sentinel that he didn’t look at the seats.
“Since childhood, Andrés has understood that it is best to use the power of government to provide opportunities and ensure equity. He worked to “lift people up” to fill the seats that were left vacant when Elias died in 2020. Instead, he remained in Congress.
“His leadership on equity and diversity issues will never be forgotten in our county or in District 5,” Grijalva said in a press release sent by county officials. “He’s a force of nature and Harvard better prepare. A whirlwind of positive energy is about to blow into Cambridge. Felicidades!”
Kano began working for Elias at the age of 19 after internships and appointments with Governor Janet Napolitano, Rep. Ed Pastor, and Colorado Senator Mark Udall. He began working for the government in 2012 as the youngest policy adviser in the county’s history, working on voter outreach.
Supervisor Sharon Bronson said, “Andrés was always keeping his eye on the ball.” I avoided getting sidetracked by irrelevant issues while I was there.”
Cano will also step down as director of the Southern Arizona community foundation’s LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund.
LD 20 covers the west side of Tucson, running from the Flowing Wells area to the edge of Tohono Oodham Nation.
