Hanoi Jane Fonda Rallies Support for Democrats Marsh and Gresham

By Daniel Stefanski |

This past week, Jane Fonda made headlines for her appearance in Phoenix, joining State Senator Christine Marsh and her Democratic allies in a campaign event for Legislative District 4. The gathering, which aimed to galvanize support ahead of the upcoming elections, drew sharp criticism from Arizona Republicans, who questioned the appropriateness of Fonda’s presence.

Karen Gresham, a candidate for the State House, shared her enthusiasm on social media, stating, “Climate change is on the ballot and Jane Fonda is in town! Here she is helping Kelli Butler, Christine Marsh and me launch our first canvass of this all-important weekend. Let’s Get Out the Vote.” This statement, however, quickly sparked backlash among Republican lawmakers.

Arizona Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope expressed his disapproval, remarking, “I didn’t have Dems campaigning with Hanoi Jane on my bingo card but, here we are.” He contended that this association exposes the extreme left tendencies within the Democratic Party. Similarly, State Representative Quang Nguyen condemned Fonda’s involvement, emphasizing her controversial past during the Vietnam War.

Fonda’s presence extended beyond District 4; she also supported Democrats in Legislative District 2 at a rally featuring candidate Judy Schwiebert. Notably, neither Marsh nor Schwiebert publicly acknowledged Fonda’s appearance on social media, suggesting a potentially strategic decision to distance themselves from the polarizing figure.

Republican consultant Constantin Querard commented on the Democrats’ strategy, stating, “Pretty much abandoning the moderate label and going full Fonda is interesting. Going hard left at this late stage suggests your effort is more about turning out your base instead of growing it. Imagine building your brand around celebrities famous for being so anti-American?”

Meanwhile, incumbent Shawnna Bolick, Schwiebert’s Republican opponent, highlighted her own achievements in contrast to Fonda’s involvement with the Democrats. She received recognition from the Arizona Conservative Policy Alliance Action Committee for her legislative work protecting youth, underscoring her commitment to local issues.

Senator Bolick’s campaign faces a critical period, as Legislative District 2 is known for its competitiveness. Historically, Republicans have won six out of the last nine elections in this district, with a narrow 3.8% vote margin. Similarly, Legislative District 4 presents its own challenges, where Republicans have secured victory in five of the past nine elections, reflecting a slight 3.4% spread between the parties.

As the election approaches, the actions and associations of candidates will be scrutinized, particularly in districts viewed as battlegrounds. The outcome of these races may hinge on how effectively candidates can navigate their affiliations and respond to their opponents’ tactics.

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