Democrats Face Backlash Over Naming Transit Station After Greg Stanton

By Matthew Holloway |

A celebration took place in downtown Phoenix on Tuesday to honor former Mayor and current Congressman Greg Stanton as Democat leaders from across the nation gathered to name the new transit hub after him. Located at Central Avenue and Van Buren, this hub is under construction and expected to open in 2025. It is a significant part of Stanton’s vision for improved public transportation, which was initiated during his tenure as mayor through a 2015 ballot measure. This measure replaced an expiring 0.4 percent sales tax with a higher 0.7 percent, aiming to allocate $17.3 billion toward transportation projects.

Key Democratic figures, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, praised Stanton’s leadership during the event. Jeffries remarked humorously that while most individuals never receive such an honor, Stanton has certainly earned it through his contributions to the city. “He has done so much for Phoenix, and naming this hub after him is a fitting tribute,” Jeffries stated.

However, not all responses to the honor have been positive. Sam Stone, co-host of the Breaking Battlegrounds radio show and a political figure in Phoenix, expressed his disapproval on social media, suggesting that if honesty prevailed in government naming conventions, the station would be called the “Greg Stanton Federal Waste Transfer Station.” He has been vocal about his opposition since May, calling the naming decision a “blatant election-year stunt” and arguing that the station should honor the late Rep. Ed Pastor instead.

Stone urged community members to attend a City Council meeting to express their discontent over the decision, framing it as a political maneuver rather than a genuine tribute. Despite the opposition, the City Council voted 7-2 to proceed with renaming the hub. Councilmembers Betty Guardado and Laura Pastor, the daughter of Ed Pastor, voted against it.

After the final vote on June 26, Mayor Gallego expressed her excitement, stating, “It is a great honor to name the Central Station Transit Hub after Greg Stanton, a true champion for public transportation in Phoenix.” She highlighted how crucial Stanton’s efforts have been in enhancing the city’s light rail and bus systems, which serve thousands daily.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Connect with him on X for the latest developments or send tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.