At the heart of Arizona–Sonora diplomacy is a small office with a big mission — and at the center of it stands Gerardo Valenzuela, the Representative of the Government of Sonora in Arizona.
Unlike the Mexican Consulate, this office operates independently, solely focused on building relationships between the state of Sonora and Arizona. “This office is the representation of the government of Sonora in Arizona, and it has existed for more than 35 years, almost 40,” Valenzuela explains. “It was created because of the geographic closeness, and for economic, cultural, and subcultural relations.”
His role, as he describes it, is not about politics — it’s about people. “The main responsibility we have — and previous representatives have had — is to have a close relationship with the governor in office in Arizona.” That relationship goes both ways. “Arizona, in its time, also has a representative in Sonora doing the same things, the same activities.”
These connections translate into real impact — culturally, economically, and educationally. “To foster the economy, cultural, economic, and educational ties. That is the function of the office.”
Valenzuela emphasizes how strong the current Arizona–Sonora relationship is. “Right now, the relationship at the state level is very good between the governors,” he says. “There have been times, like during SB1070, when difficult issues were handled directly at the state level, but if you ask me what the relationship is like now, it’s very good — we continue working just the same.”
His passion for public service is rooted in family. “It’s something I’ve always liked — public service, helping people. It’s something that has always motivated me. I think it comes from my father and my family, who have been involved in public service. So it’s very fulfilling as a person to be able to help someone else.”
Sometimes, that help is something as simple — but life-changing — as a birth certificate. “It might seem simple to me as an official, but for someone else it can change their life. So yes, it’s very important to me — it’s something I like and enjoy.”
His journey to the role began after years of working with Sonoran Governor Alfonso Durazo. “The opportunity came up — he asked me to work with him. And well, it’s very hard to say no to a governor — especially a governor of governors like Alfonso Durazo. So here we are.”
One of his most meaningful initiatives has been bringing civil registry services to rural communities in Arizona — a model inspired by programs in Sonora. “That idea came to me — to propose it to the governor to do it here too. And we’re doing it alongside the consulate… offering guidance and issuing civil registry documents to Sonoran nationals. That wasn’t being done before.”
Seven of these community events have already taken place, serving over 500 people and issuing more than 600 vital records. “It’s another service that brings us closer to the community.”
Valenzuela urges the community to stay engaged during uncertain political times. “These are difficult times. My recommendation is to stay alert, stay informed… Keep doing what we have to do — because we have to keep doing it. And what is it that we do? Most of our nationals keep working. But we must always stay aware of irregular situations. There’s too much information on social media and in the news, so my advice is always to go to official sources.”
For Gerardo Valenzuela, service isn’t a job — it’s a calling.
