Communist Party Backs Key Swing District Democrats Austin and Sandoval

By Daniel Stefanski |

In a notable development for Arizona’s political landscape, the Arizona Working Families Party has extended its endorsement to key Democratic candidates in swing districts ahead of the upcoming elections. Earlier this month, the party revealed its support for Mariana Sandoval (LD 23) and Lorena Austin (LD 9), both of whom represent competitive areas within the state.

The Arizona Working Families Party aims to disrupt traditional political paradigms. Their mission is to build a robust party structure beyond the existing two-party system. According to their website, they engage in organizing efforts, training grassroots candidates, and pushing for an inclusive progressive agenda across various levels of government.

Specifically, Lorena Austin is vying for reelection in Arizona Legislative District 9, which encompasses Mesa. As outlined by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, this district features one of the narrowest competitive margins in the state, with a slight Democratic advantage reflected in its electoral history.

Despite the district’s moderate political climate, Austin has positioned herself as a fervent advocate for progressive policies, often embracing far-left stances in the legislature.

Meanwhile, Mariana Sandoval is seeking to maintain her seat in the Arizona House of Representatives, representing Legislative District 23. This district shows a more pronounced competitive edge, as historical data indicates a substantial Democratic lead in recent state elections.

The Arizona Working Families Party’s endorsement list includes several other candidates aiming for various legislative positions. Their endorsements span diverse districts, reinforcing the party’s commitment to advancing progressive principles across the state.

The full list of endorsed candidates includes:

• Sarah Ligouri – Arizona State House, District 5
• Brian Garcia – Arizona State House, District 8
• Juan Mendez – Arizona State House, District 8
• Junelle Cavero – Arizona State House, District 11
• Oscar De Los Santos – Arizona State House, District 11
• Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton – Arizona State House, District 21
• Mariana Sandoval – Arizona State House, District 23
• Cesar Aguilar – Arizona State House, District 26
• Quanta Crews – Arizona State House, District 26
• Lauren Kuby – Arizona State Senate, District 8
• Analise Ortiz – Arizona State Senate, District 24
• Jennifer Allen – Pima County Supervisor, District 3
• Raquel Terán – U.S. House, State of Arizona, District 3

As the election season heats up, the impact of these endorsements could play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes in these competitive districts, underscoring the significance of progressive platforms in Arizonan politics.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.