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Arizona Dems in Turmoil: Leaders Clash Over Financial Misconduct Allegations

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By Staff Reporter |

Accusations of financial misconduct have emerged within the Arizona Democratic Party (ADP) just days ahead of the party’s convention and officer elections. The controversy centers around claims made by ADP Vice Chair Will Knight against the party’s treasurer, Rick McGuire.

In a letter addressed to Chair Yolanda Bejarano, Knight alleged “self-dealing” and improper financial reporting. He called for an audit of the party’s finances, a request Bejarano promptly denied. The chair labeled Knight’s allegations as “defamatory” and “false,” defending McGuire’s compensation of $66,000 over two years for consulting services performed beyond his role as treasurer.

Bejarano elaborated that McGuire’s work involved providing guidance to ADP umbrella organizations that have faced significant fines due to financial mismanagement. According to her, the ADP bylaws permit leaders to serve as contractors and not as paid employees.

The payments made to McGuire, which were documented with the Federal Election Commission and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, were characterized as “treasurer training and support.” “The Party does not have extra resources to placate unreasonable claims,” Bejarano stated, questioning what an audit would reveal that public records would not.

Financial records reveal that ADP disbursed $36,000 to McGuire in 2023 and $30,000 the previous year. McGuire also holds a position as an executive producer at Health & Medical Multimedia. Bejarano, along with a specialist attorney and a compliance firm, reported no issues with McGuire’s contracts.

Knight, who serves as an attorney and the decriminalization director at the National Homelessness Law Center, claimed that his requests for financial documents were denied. He sought transparency following a budget presentation shortly after taking on the vice chair role.

ADP communications director Patricia Socarras stated that McGuire’s payments were a continuation of prior agreements established by previous leadership. “The Arizona Democratic Party meets rigorous reporting standards mandated by federal and state law, and Mr. Knight’s claims are baseless. They detract from our focus on preparing for the 2026 elections,” she added.

This internal conflict arose as ADP geared up to elect its new leadership slate during the convention. Bejarano was contested by Robert Branscomb, president of the Phoenix Chapter of the National African American Insurance Association; Cathy Ransom, a former candidate for State House District 1; and veteran state committeeman Dave Braun.

As the convention unfolded, the Democrats elected Branscomb as the new party chair, and McGuire was replaced by Greg Freeman as treasurer.