Theresa Riel, one of six candidates vying for Tucson’s Ward 6 City Council seat, is withdrawing from the race, citing a conflict with her service on Pima Community College’s governing board.

“Based on information I received when exploring my candidacy, regarding my ability to serve on both Pima Community College board and City Council concurrently, I enthusiastically began campaigning,” Riel said in a statement to Tucson Spotlight. “Recently, I was told by the city attorney that school board members would have to resign from their position upon winning the council election.”

Riel, a Democrat, was elected to the District 2 seat of PCC’s governing board in 2022, with her term running through December 2026. She said she made a commitment “in good faith” to the board and would be dropping out of the City Council race to honor that commitment.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed talking to voters who signed my nomination petitions, and I learned a lot about the areas that need to be improved in our city from their comments and concerns,” Riel said. “I am humbled by the involvement and passion that so many have shown to me during my run.”

Remaining candidates include Democrats Leighton Rockafellow Jr., James Sinex and Miranda Schubert, and Republican Jay Tolkoff. The primary election is Aug. 5, and the general election is Nov. 4.

Caitlin Schmidt is the editor and publisher of Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at caitlin@tucsonspotlight.org.

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