Green Party Unveils Eight Write-In Candidates for November Election

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes announced on Saturday night that eight candidates from the Green Party will pursue a write-in strategy for the upcoming November general election. The Green Party’s platform emphasizes a transition towards a democratically controlled eco-socialist economy, advocating for measures such as the Green New Deal and policies focused on social justice and gender equity.

A clerical error led to the exclusion of these write-in candidates from the official Arizona primary canvass, according to a press release from the Secretary of State’s office dated August 17. The announcement detailed the requirements for write-in candidates, stating that they must achieve a plurality of votes within their party to remain competitive in future elections.

This situation has raised concerns about the election process in Arizona. Critics, including the Arizona Republican Party, have voiced their frustrations, questioning Fontes’ competency after he mistakenly declared the wrong Green Party winner in the U.S. Senate primary earlier this month.

Eduardo Quintana, a write-in candidate for U.S. Senate, expressed his discontent, asserting that individuals should have the opportunity to run for office based on differing policies. “We’re supposed to be elected in a Democratic way,” he stated.

Currently, the Green Party holds just 100 positions of office across the nation, with no victories in Arizona for state or federal offices. The following candidates have announced they will proceed as write-in hopefuls in the general election:

• Eduardo Quintana: Running for U.S. Senate against Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego, Quintana aims to provide alternatives to the dominant two-party system, focusing on environmental and social issues.
• Vincent Beck-Jones: Contesting for Congressional District 4, he faces incumbent Democrat Greg Stanton and Republican Kelly Cooper. Beck-Jones emphasizes the need for real political choice, criticizing the existing duopoly.
• Athena Eastwood: A candidate for U.S. Representative in Congressional District 6, Eastwood will compete against Republican Juan Ciscomani and Democrat Kirsten Engel.
• Tre Rook: Running as a write-in candidate for Legislative District 8 State Representative, Rook is up against opponents from both parties.
• Cody Hannah: As one of the youngest candidates, Hannah aims to represent Legislative District 3, focusing on working-class issues and environmental concerns.
• Scott Menor: He is running for Legislative District 14, advocating for systemic change and representation as an independent candidate.
• Mike Cease & Nina Luxenberg: Both are candidates for one of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s open seats, competing against candidates from both major parties.

As the election approaches, the Green Party’s ability to mobilize support in Arizona remains to be seen. Their track record has not included a win for state or federal office, posing challenges to their ambitions in this cycle.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.