Democrats Clash in a Personal Battle to Secure West Mesa Legislative Seats

The western Mesa legislative district, represented by Democratic Rep. Lorena Austin, has significant implications for the upcoming elections. Austin is part of a broader Democratic effort to maintain their foothold in this competitive area, where flipping the statehouse blue is a primary objective.

“For me, it is really personal,” Austin stated, as she wrote her phone number on a pamphlet to distribute door-to-door. This reflects her commitment; she views these communities not merely as sources of votes but as neighborhoods needing attention from their elected representatives.

Austin, who made history as Arizona’s first non-binary lawmaker, flipped Legislative District 9 alongside Rep. Seth Blattman in 2022, securing victory by around 2,000 votes. Currently, Republicans hold a slender one-vote majority in the House of Representatives, as Democrats invest heavily to regain control and challenge GOP dominance, which has led to tensions with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs.

Republicans, conversely, are eager to reclaim lost ground in areas like LD9. This district, categorized as “highly competitive” by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Committee in 2021, showcases a mix of lower-income and affluent neighborhoods — a reflection of the city’s historical racial segregation.

This past Saturday, Austin ventured into a neighborhood presumed to lean Democratic. However, her approach focused on engaging communities that rarely see their local representatives actively participating. While moving through the area, a chicken nearly encountered a pickup truck as it approached Austin.

“¿Qué está pasando?” an elderly man asked, eyeing the pamphlets in her hand. Austin promptly addressed his concerns in Spanish, easing his worries about the group’s intentions. After exchanging contact information, the man called shortly afterward to verify the number.

“All those conversations I had are the exact reason I do this,” Austin remarked, emphasizing that the man, a longtime resident, had never met his state representative. This experience echoed a common sentiment among residents.

Demographics in the district reveal it is younger, more Latino, and economically disadvantaged than Arizona’s overall population. Recent polling from UnidosUs indicates that numerous Latino voters align more closely with Democrats; however, many feel neglected by both parties. The survey also highlights that 19% of Latino voters in Arizona will cast ballots for the first time in 2024, with 33% being new voters since 2016.

Both parties are intensifying efforts to mobilize the Latino vote, a crucial demographic that significantly contributed to President Joe Biden’s narrow win in 2020. Republicans have opened new campaign offices, while Democrats continue to emphasize their presence in predominantly Hispanic areas like Maryvale.

This weekend, surrogates for Vice President Kamala Harris are launching the “Hombres con Harris” event in Southern Arizona to strengthen support among Latino voters.

Austin reflected on the area’s past, noting it was once a racially segregated location. The former “sundown town” continues to grapple with housing disparities and poverty, posing a challenge for local communities. “We are trying to re-instill voter trust,” Austin commented. “You are worth my time, and one day you may need my help.”

In sharp contrast, Austin and Blattman’s Republican rivals have been reticent in engaging with local media. GOP candidates Kylie Barber and Mary Ann Mendoza either declined interviews or did not respond to the Arizona Mirror’s outreach.

Mendoza, a veteran of local politics, previously lost to Austin and Blattman in 2022. She has gained notoriety for her controversial comments regarding immigration and has faced backlash for past anti-Semitic statements and an incident involving blackface.

Barber, on the other hand, has a history as a lobbyist focused on policies benefiting children. She has been accused by Mendoza of being a “Democratic plant,” which illustrates the infighting within the Republican ranks.

As canvassers rallied, Blattman criticized the growing influence of extreme political ideologies within the GOP. He claimed, “The legislature has been taken over by MAGA extremists,” pointing to Republican stances on abortion and education. Voter sentiments in LD9 regarding this shift remain uncertain.