FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2023
TUCSON, Ariz. – Betty Villegas, a longtime affordable housing proponent and former Pima County Supervisor, will join the House Democratic Caucus as its newest member. The Pima County Board of Supervisors appointed Villegas earlier today to replace former Legislative District 20 Representative and House Democratic Leader Andrés Cano, who recently resigned to attend graduate school at Harvard.
Villegas is a third-generation Tucson native and currently serves as Director of South Tucson Housing and Community Development. She retired as Pima County Housing Program Manager in 2016. In 2020, Villegas was appointed to the Pima County Board of Supervisors to fill out the remaining term for Supervisor Richard Elias, who passed away in office.
"I'm honored to have been appointed by the Board of Supervisors to replace Rep. Cano, who I have the pleasure of calling a dear friend," Villegas said. "I have been helping people achieve sustainable, affordable homeownership and economic prosperity throughout my career, and I am ready to work on those and other issues important to my district and Arizona. Our economy, public education, public health, climate and environmental justice, transportation and human rights are all equally important and interconnected. Together I know we can do better."
"Betty Villegas brings deep Arizona roots, unmatched ties to her community, and a wealth of experience on one of our most important issues which is addressing the affordable housing crisis in our state," said House Democratic Leader Lupe Contreras. "We are honored to welcome her to our House Democratic family. "
-30-
