PRESS RELEASE: Democrats Respond to the Physical Altercation that Broke Out At Local GOP District Meeting, District Central to Flipping the State Legislature

Flight Breaks Out Between MAGA Wing vs. “RINO” Wing in Key Battleground District

PHOENIX – Last night, at the monthly Legislative District 2 Republican meeting, a physical altercation broke out between alleged members of the MAGA wing of the Republican party and so-called “RINOs.” This incident is part of a broader set of issues plaguing the Arizona Republican Party, where the MAGA wing continues to push out more moderate members of the party.  

Footage shows that a Precinct Committeeman allegedly attempted to bring to the floor a motion. The meeting then descended into attendees yelling at the District Chair as he tried to conduct the meeting before ending in a physical altercation. One of the attendees and former candidates for the state legislature in LD2, Christian Lamar, posted that as a result of the events, “2024 will be stolen in Arizona.”

Currently, one Democrat and two Republicans represent this district: Republicans Senator Shawnna Bolick and Representative Justin Wilmeth serve alongside Democrat Rep. Judy Schwiebert. Bolick is running for re-election and first must survive a primary from Josh Barnett, who like Bolick, comes from the wing of the party that rejects the results of the 2020 election was stolen and holds extremist views." Wilmeth is running for re-election; and Schwiebert is challenging Bolick for the Senate seat. Last cycle, Governor Hobbs and Senator Kelly won this district, and it is widely regarded as one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the state. The outcome of the election in Legislative District 2 could deliver a key seat to Democrats, with the potential to ultimately tip the balance of power in the state.

“LD2 is the purplest district in the state, and we know the only way we’re going to win is if we unify the community,” said Meg Patel, Chair of LD2 Democrats. “We believe in unity over division. This is core to our strategy — listening to different views and engaging in productive conversations with neighbors. I’m confident that if we continue this path, we’ll inspire more involvement and more voices to be heard.”