Rocque Perez Appointed to Tucson Ward 5 Seat

Rocque Perez, 26, has been unanimously appointed by the Tucson City Council and Mayor Regina Romero to fill the vacant Ward 5 seat, becoming the second youngest council member in Tucson's history and the youngest municipal official in Arizona. Perez succeeds Richard Fimbres, who stepped down for health reasons, and will serve until December 1. He previously led the Metro Education Commission, focusing on education opportunities for underserved communities and overseeing budgeting and policy work. As councilman, Perez aims to expand business development, increase low-income housing—particularly in the Barrio Santa Rosa area—and support youth and families to break the cycle of poverty. He has pledged to work with neighborhood associations, local businesses, and the City of South Tucson on issues like housing, transit, and infrastructure, with a commitment to transparency and engagement. Perez, a young, gay Latino active in civic and nonprofit organizations, is dedicated to leaving a positive impact and preparing his successor for success.