THATCHER — A visit to Graham County Monday, to take part in the Graham County Republican Committee’s annual Lincoln Day Luncheon, gave U.S. Rep, Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., a chance to talk with the leaders of communities impacted by federal funds Ciscomani was able to secure.
Following the luncheon, representatives from Duncan, Pima, Pima Unified School District and Graham County joined with Ciscomani for a press conference to talk about the $4.1 million coming to Graham and Greenlee counties.
“One of my goals, as a member of Congress, is to make sure that we bring these federal resources back to our communities,” Ciscomani said. “This is where those resources come from.”
The funding includes $1 million for a road to the new Pima High School, $1.9 million to repair and resurface Main and High streets in Duncan, and $1.2 million for new waterlines at Graham County Fairgrounds.
“This is going to be the gem of the county,” said County Supervisor John Howard. “We were going to move forward without this funding, but this will make is so much easier to move forward and free up money for other projects.”
County Manager Dustin Welker said the new water distribution system will result in the county developing new soccer fields, baseball diamonds and playground areas at the Fairgrounds; as well as planting more than 1,000 new trees.
The Graham and Greenlee funds are part of $34.1 million for 15 projects in Congressional District 6 that Ciscomani was able to include in this year’s Appropriations bills.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
During the luncheon, Ciscomani told the party faithful this is a “tough, tough district,” and he anticipates a significant amount of resources being spent by the Democratic Party in an effort to unseat him this year.
He also said he has invited Greenlee County rancher Ben Menges to be his guest at President Trump’s next State of the Union Address, on Feb. 24.
And Ciscomani assisted with the Graham County Republican Committee’s annual Awards of Appreciation for service to the local party. Receiving recognition were:
- Lolene Brandau
- Ruth Martin
- Janet Nelson
- Larry Nelson
- Karen Norton
- Carlton Penn
Attendees also heard updates from Graham County Republican Committee second vice-chair Jim Norton and Greenlee County Republican Committee chair Jennifer Griffith.
And candidates for office in 2026 were invited to give a one-minute talk about themselves and the offices they seek. Speaking were Katherine Haley, running for state Treasurer; Mary Bingham and Arnold Lopez, both running for Safford City Council; Jenny Howard and Brandon Homer, both running for Thatcher Town Council; and Stephanie Norton and Mike Andazola, both running for Graham County Justice of the Peace.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:56 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, to correct Jim Norton’s position with the Graham County Republican Committee.
