ICYMI: Post-Primary, 100 Pima Democrats Gather for Town hall in Tucson
More energized than ever, 100 voters heard from local Democratic candidates
Tucson, Ariz. – One week after the Primary election, nearly 100 voters gathered last night at the Arizona Democratic Party’s Moving Arizona Forward Town Hall in downtown Tucson to hear from Democratic nominees running to represent them. Arizonans were able to ask questions on the issues that they face today, including affordability, schools, and public safety. The packed event featured candidates in tight races for the State Legislature, Congress, and the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Southern Arizona will see many highly competitive elections this year in the legislature and U.S. House. LD17, which wraps around the Tucson metro-area, was decided by less than one percent of the vote in 2022, and its outcome in November could propel Democrats to a governing trifecta for the first time in nearly 60 years. Legislative seats are more competitive than ever before with Democratic candidates boasting larger war chests than their Republican opponents.
The candidates that participated in the town hall included:
State Legislature: Kevin Volk, state house (LD17); John McLean, state senate (LD17)
Congress: Kirsten Engel (CD-06)
Arizona Corporation Commission: Ylenia Aguilar, Jonathan Hill, Joshua Polacheck
"Arizonans are energized and ready to elect Democrats up and down the ballot this November," said Yolanda Bejarano, Chairwoman of the Arizona Democratic Party. “With such tight margins, events like our townhall series are going to be what makes a difference in flipping the Republican-controlled state legislature and U.S House. Arizonans are ready to reject Republican extremism and elect Democrats who will move our state forward by protecting abortion rights, investing in public education, and ensuring Arizona's water future."
“I’ve lived here for over 30 years. I started a business here, raised my family here, and I volunteer here. Let me tell you: Vince Leach does not represent us,” said John McLean, LD17 State Senate nominee. “Issues like water, affordability, and abortion can’t wait any longer – we need real representation for this community. I’m ready to tackle the problems that the legislature has long ignored.”