Arizona Democrats Fired Up as DNC Launches in Style

CHICAGO – Arizona Democrats opened their national convention on a buoyant note, moving away from months of tension surrounding the presidential race. With Vice President Kamala Harris at the helm, the mood shifted dramatically, according to delegate Llama Habern of Cornville.

“Excited, invigorated and happy,” Habern noted, emphasizing a newfound energy after President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign. Other delegates shared Habern’s sentiments, commending Biden’s courage in stepping aside and expressing optimism about Harris leading the party forward.

State Sen. Priya Sundareshan of Tucson, who co-chairs the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, remarked on Harris’ influence. “Her momentum is boosting our chances to regain control of the Legislature,” she stated. Recent polling from The New York Times and Siena College revealed Harris leading former President Donald Trump among likely Arizona voters, a remarkable turnaround from earlier this year.

“There’s a palpable enthusiasm for top-tier races, but the groundwork for flipping state seats is unchanged,” Sundareshan added. She highlighted that swing voters prioritize issues like reproductive rights, education funding, and water security – especially given recent Supreme Court decisions affecting state authority.

State Sen. Eva Burch of Mesa echoed these sentiments, praising Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as bipartisan figures. “While there will always be disagreements on social issues, we need cooperation on many fronts,” she explained.

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by about 250,000 in Arizona, and the state is key for both parties in the upcoming election. Mark Robert Gordon, a Democratic National Committee member, acknowledged the competitive landscape. “This is still a close election. Arizonans are aware of that,” he said.

Nonetheless, the transition to Harris’ candidacy has introduced a “real momentum change,” Gordon asserted. “There is now new energy in the party,” he noted, recalling a recent rally in Glendale that showcased strong turnout.

Meanwhile, a large pro-Palestinian protest resulted in transportation delays for delegates traveling to the Democratic convention venue. Gordon dismissed these disruptions, characterizing them as part of the democratic process. “Democracy is in action here,” he remarked.