Arizona Democrats Unite: Hobbs Leads Charge Endorsing Harris After Biden Steps Down

Arizona’s political landscape is shifting rapidly as Democratic delegates, federal lawmakers, and Governor Katie Hobbs align behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s new presidential nominee.

President Joe Biden’s surprise announcement on Sunday endorsing his vice president has catalyzed a wave of support. Democrats across the country are rallying to unify the party behind Harris. Lupe Conchas, vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, expressed optimism: “There is an outpouring of endorsements and support from Democratic Party officials and delegates here in Arizona, and we look forward to her being our nominee.”

A survey from the Associated Press confirmed that by Monday evening, Harris had gained enough delegate support to secure the nomination. Notably, Sen. Mark Kelly, a potential vice-presidential candidate, pledged his support within hours of Biden’s exit. However, Gov. Katie Hobbs took an additional 24 hours to publicly endorse Harris.

“As the last few weeks have made clear, Americans are looking for a new generation of leadership that will move past the divisiveness and unite us around our shared American values. I believe that leader is Vice President Harris,” Hobbs stated. “I look forward to working with her to lower costs for Arizonans, restore reproductive freedom, and defend our democratic rights.”

State Democratic parties are swiftly forming a unified front. In Pennsylvania, all 159 delegates pledged to support Harris. North Carolina and Tennessee delegates have shown unanimous support, while those in Louisiana and Kentucky overwhelmingly back Harris as Biden’s replacement. Late Monday, Arizona’s Democratic Party affirmed Harris’s “unequivocal endorsement” from its executive board and county chairs.

Patti O’Neil, Maricopa County Democratic chair, noted widespread excitement among local delegates. “I’m super excited,” she said. “She’s been right at his side. It’s always been a two-person ticket.” She also mentioned potential vice-presidential candidates, including Kelly.

Llama Habern, an educational coordinator and delegate, sees Harris’s nomination invigorating grassroots activists. “This is a time for unity, not division,” stated Habern. “We have no idea what to expect at this point, and that’s exciting.”

Harris is actively working to consolidate support ahead of the Democratic convention in Chicago in four weeks. Since Biden’s announcement, she has contacted hundreds of party leaders and activists. Biden’s decision brought relief to many Democrats, who had grown anxious following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump last month.

Harris, at 59, is significantly younger than Biden and is seen as a potentially stronger candidate. Arizona’s Democratic U.S. House members—Reps. Raúl Grijalva, Greg Stanton, and Ruben Gallego—have publicly backed her. Stanton emphasized the clear contrast against Trump, while Grijalva pointed out the risks posed by Trump’s proposed policies.

Sen. Kelly also endorsed Harris, with strong backing from his wife, former congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Gallego highlighted the importance of Harris’s victory for reproductive rights.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, along with mayors from Tempe and Tucson, was among the 250 mayors nationwide who signed a letter supporting Harris on Monday. Attorney General Kris Mayes added her voice to the chorus of support.

Biden’s narrow victory in Arizona in 2020 underscores the state’s pivotal role in the 2024 election. Harris’s presence on the ticket could significantly alter the dynamics. To date, Trump has made one campaign stop in Arizona, while Harris has visited multiple times, focusing on reproductive health care and abortion access.

Robert Branscromb, a vice chair of the state party, believes Harris is an asset. “She is a human being. She is not from the elite class,” he said. “She understands the needs of the American people. She’s been a prosecutor, so she understands the law. She understands some of the trials and tribulations and the effects that the law has on the average person.”

Cronkite News correspondents Benjamin Adelberg, Aoife Kane, and Sahara Sajjadi contributed to this report.