Democratic Delegates in Arizona Stand Firm, Urge Biden to Stay in Race

Arizona Democrats preparing to serve as convention delegates remain steadfast in supporting President Joe Biden, despite growing concerns about his capability to face another term or contest against Donald Trump.

Last week, Tucson Representative Raúl Grijalva became the second Democrat in Congress to urge the president to step down from the race. However, delegates set to gather in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention display unwavering loyalty to Biden, recognizing the chaos a last-minute candidate swap could incite among voters.

Delegate April Ignacio observed, “Indigenous communities and Native communities do not publicly humiliate their elders the way the media has,” emphasizing the unique cultural perspective often overlooked in broader political commentary. Ignacio is also running to be the first Indigenous woman elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors.

Lorenzo Sierra, a former state House member from Avondale, shared a personal anecdote about receiving words of encouragement from Biden while he battled COVID-19. “President Biden did not give up on me, and I will not give up on him,” said Sierra. He underscored that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris form a crucial team for preserving American democracy.

In the lead-up to the convention, Cronkite News conducted outreach to over 80 Arizona Democrats who will serve as delegates. The respondents expressed firm opposition to Biden withdrawing from the race, though some acknowledged underlying concerns.

Mark Robert Gordon, a delegate who previously ran for Secretary of State, declared, “It’s time to put this to bed,” yet he predicted that conversations about Biden’s viability would resurface if another significant event took place.

Of the over 3,900 delegates, nearly all are pledged to Biden. Party rules bind them to support him on the first ballot unless Biden releases them. Some Democrats suggest that delegates’ pledges should reflect the prevailing sentiments of their electorates, which might shift before the formal nomination.

Steven Jackson, a delegate from Tempe, expressed confidence in Biden’s ability to defeat Trump. Nevertheless, concerns emerged following Biden’s problematic debate performance on June 27. Delegate Joshua Polacheck, running for a seat on the Arizona Corporation Commission, attributed the performance to a “bad night,” defending Biden’s overall sincerity and dedication to democracy.

In Congress, while six Democratic lawmakers have publicly called for Biden to withdraw, private discussions have also entertained the idea. House Democrats recently debated their strategy moving forward, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries mentioning ongoing dialogues.

Grijalva remains the most high-profile Arizona Democrat advocating for a younger, more dynamic candidate. Conversely, Senator Mark Kelly sees no reason for Biden to bow out, highlighting the president’s broad base of support against Trump, whom he labeled a convicted felon.

Biden secured Arizona’s 11 electoral votes in 2020 by a slim margin, while Trump had a more comfortable victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016. Given Biden’s narrow lead over Trump, concerns about age and mental acuity remain potent but are counterbalanced by delegates’ dedication to backing the president.

Markus Ceniceros, a 20-year-old delegate from Avondale, acknowledged concerns over Biden’s age but remained firmly in support of his candidacy. Signa Oliver, an Army veteran from Phoenix, warned that replacing Biden could spell disaster for the party, articulating fears of losing to Trump if Biden exits.

Two months before Election Day, Biden and Trump are set to face each other in a final debate. Isabel Hiserodt of the Young Democrats at Arizona State University noted Biden’s underwhelming debate performance but considered Trump a dangerous alternative.

Delegates like Llama Habern from Cottonwood emphasized Biden’s achievements in office over his public speaking abilities. First-time delegate Robert Branscomb, despite initial shock at Biden’s debate showing, voiced confidence in the president’s vigor and record.

“The succession plan is already in place,” Branscomb reassured, expressing trust in Vice President Harris to continue the administration’s trajectory if necessary.

With comprehensive reporting from Cronkite News Washington correspondents Keetra Bippus, Brianna Chappie, Alex Cunningham, Amaia J. Gavica, Aoife Kane, Isabelle Marceles, Alex MacDonald, and Sahara Sajjadi.