Yuma native vying for Arizona House seat
A local farmer and business owner is vying for the open Arizona U.S. House seat left vacant by former Rep. Don Shooter after he was expelled amid sexual harassment allegations.
Tim Dunn said he has always been politically involved.
“For the last 20 years, we’ve always been concerned going up to the Capitol and giving our voice, to be heard, the needs of Yuma County,” Dunn added.
Dunn is a born and raised Yuman. Dunn operates the Dunn Grain Co., Inc., and works alongside his son. Dunn Grain was established back in 1994.
He also owns the local SportClips.
Once the Arizona U.S. House seat opened last week, Dunn said he wants to represent the Desert Southwest.
“I had several calls from concerned citizens and ask me to run and put my name into the hat,” Dunn said.
Dunn wants to focus on water rights, taxes, and fiscal responsibility of the state budget.
“Water rights and land use and the state budget. Those are the critical things we have to do as a state legislature. The water issues in Yuma are vastly different than the water issues in central Arizona. Having that mixed discussion is crucial,” Dunn added.
If appointed to the vacant Arizona U.S. House seat, Dunn said the investment into Yuma County will be building a legacy.
“We’re not only working on today’s issues but having a large family that’s invested in Yuma County, we’re working on a legacy for years to come. It’s very important to me that I take up this time to carry the water and do that for my kids and my kids’ grandkids,” he said.
He said that he has made a commitment to Yuma.
“We need to have someone representing Yuma, we don’t want to lose our voice to the western side of Phoenix,” he added.
The process to fill the vacant seat starts this week. The Yuma County Precinct Committee of the Republican Party will meet Thursday to nominate three names for the seat.
On Monday, the Yuma County Board of Supervisors will pick a candidate to be the new legislator.
That candidate will be appointed to finish the rest of the session.
Dunn said he’s willing to campaign immediately to represent the 13th Legislative District once the seat is up for reelection.
“If I get the appointment…to immediately go out and start campaigning for the re-election this fall,” Dunn said.
