Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) has introduced a bill to designate the post office in Duncan, Arizona, after the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. The legislation, known as H.R. 7011, has gained support from several Arizona representatives including Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-09), David Schweikert (R-AZ-01), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ-09).

Justice O’Connor, who grew up near Duncan on her family's cattle ranch, the Lazy B Ranch, has left a lasting impact on Arizona and the nation. Congressman Ciscomani, who represents Duncan in Congress, spoke about the significance of honoring Justice O'Connor's roots: "Raised on a cattle ranch near Duncan, Justice O’Connor proudly embraced her roots as an Arizona cowgirl throughout her lifetime. While it’s impossible to encompass the full impacts of her life, actions like this keep her legacy alive and serve as a reminder to the next generation to continue to break the glass ceiling."

The effort to memorialize Justice O’Connor extends beyond the post office designation. Congressman Ciscomani, along with State Representative Matthew Gress and other stakeholders, held a press conference to highlight their efforts to honor Justice O'Connor in the U.S. Capitol. Speaking about the post office designation, Sarah Suggs, President and CEO of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, expressed her delight: "The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute is delighted with this Duncan post office designation for Justice O’Connor. It is a fitting tribute from her days on the nearby Lazy B Ranch and southwestern upbringing that were so instrumental in her formative years. We commend Congressman Ciscomani and his Arizona congressional colleagues in their efforts to honor the Justice."

Duncan Mayor Titus Blake also emphasized the significance of Justice O'Connor's upbringing in the Duncan Valley: "Former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's wisdom reflects the enduring influence of her early years in the Duncan Valley and her time riding the ranges on her beloved home at the Lazy B Ranch. The values instilled by the people of these places shaped her legacy of resilience and persistence, and her dedication to justice for every American citizen. That influence remains in the people that call this valley home, it is a true honor that Representative Ciscomani has introduced this Resolution, and we would be greatly honored to have her name permanently associated with the Federal Post Office Building as a local memorial and a reminder of her roots in our community."

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor made history in 1981 when President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the Supreme Court, making her the first woman to hold a seat on the bench. Prior to her time on the Supreme Court, Justice O'Connor played significant roles in Arizona's state government, including Senate Majority Leader. After retiring from the Court in 2006, Justice O'Connor and her husband, John, returned to Phoenix, Arizona.

The efforts to name the Duncan, AZ post office after Justice O'Connor not only honor her legacy but also serve as a reminder of the impact she had on Arizona and the nation.