TUCSON — A fourth Democratic candidate has dropped out of the race for Congress in the district that represents Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties.
On Friday, Johnathan Buma issued a statement that he was leaving the race for Arizona’s sixth Congressional District.
“This is not a decision made in retreat. It is a decision made in clarity,” he said. “Over the past year, I have come to understand that the most effective way for me to serve this country is not from within politics, but through truth-telling, humanitarian action, and peaceful grassroots mobilization.
“That is why I am stepping out of electoral politics and stepping fully into my humanitarian mission,” he continued. “Through my investigative work and through Project Lost & Found – Voices of Gratitude, I will dedicate myself to protecting vulnerable communities, elevating the real stories of our people, and mobilizing peaceful movements that remind this country who we really are.”
Buma, a former special agent with the FBI, is currently writing a memoir.
In July, Aiden Swallow announced she was leaving the race to instead run for state Representative in District 19, which also represents Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties.
Mo Goldman left the race in August to focus on his practice as an immigration attorney, and Chris Donat cited fund-raising challenges as the reason he left the race in September.
Two declared Democratic candidates remain — JoAnna Mendoza and Samantha Severson — who could challenge incumbent Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani in 2026.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report calls the race in Arizona’s sixth Congressional District as a toss-up.
