Bob Walkup | |
---|---|
Mayor of Tucson, Arizona | |
Incumbent | |
Assumed office December 6, 1999[1] |
|
Preceded by | George Miller |
Succeeded by | Jonathan Rothschild (elect) |
Personal details | |
Born | November 14, 1936 Ames, Iowa |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Beth Walkup |
Residence | Tucson, Arizona |
Alma mater | Iowa State University |
Profession | Industrial engineer |
Robert E. Walkup (born November 14, 1936, in Ames, Iowa) is the mayor of Tucson, Arizona. Mayor Walkup is a member of the Republican Party.
Contents |
Walkup holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and served in the U.S. Army. Before becoming involved in politics, he was an engineer and executive in the aerospace industry for 35 years. He worked for Rockwell International, Fairchild Republic, and Hughes Aircraft Company.
Walkup also served as the former chairman of the Tucson Economic Council.[1]
Walkup was elected to his current position on November 2, 1999, defeating Democratic former City Councilwoman Molly McKasson and local businessman Bob Beaudry. Benefitting from a split in the Democratic vote,[2] he was sworn into office on December 6, 1999, succeeding two-term Tucson Mayor George Miller, who retired from office as the city's longest serving official.[1] Walkup became the first Republican mayor of Tucson since 1983.[3]
Walkup was re-elected for a second term on November 4, 2003, narrowly defeating Democratic former Mayor Tom Volgy.[4] He was re-elected for a third term on November 6, 2007, defeating a Green Party candidate with 72% of the vote.[5] after the Democrats failed to field a candidate.[6] Walkup announced on February 22, 2011 that he will not seek re-election after his current term ends in December.[7] Democrat Jonathan Rothschild won the election.
|