Trump Backs Ciscomani Amid Struggles for Arizona Dems

**Southern Arizona Political Roundup: Trump Endorses Ciscomani; CD7 GOP Primary Challenges; State Democrats in Turmoil**

President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani for his 2026 reelection campaign, announcing the support on his platform, Truth Social. Trump praised Ciscomani as a “Tremendous Champion” for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District and highlighted his role on the Appropriations Committee. In response, Ciscomani expressed pride in standing with Trump on issues like border security and veteran protection.

Ciscomani’s district, which leans Republican, features a voter base of approximately 36% GOP, 31% Democrats, and 33% independent voters. The district runs primarily through Pima County, with significant populations in Marana and Oro Valley, plus Tucson’s East Side. Despite Republican dominance, Democratic challengers remain viable threats.

In terms of fundraising, Ciscomani has shown promising results. Reports indicate he has over a million dollars available for his reelection, having raised roughly $1.2 million in the first quarter of the year while spending $245,000. Conversely, other Democratic candidates in CD6 have struggled financially, with Joanna Mendoza standing out by raising over $816,000. Mendoza, a veteran and former legislative aide, ended the quarter with nearly $726,000 in her campaign account.

Looking to CD7, a special election is set for July 15 to fill the seat left vacant by the late Raúl Grijalva. Recent court proceedings regarding candidate challenges ended with a dismissal, as Paula Butierez, wife of candidate Daniel Butierez, missed the deadline to contest the validity of signatures from two other GOP hopefuls. Daniel Butierez expressed concern over the integrity of the election process after the challenge fizzled.

As the situation unfolds, the GOP faces challenges in CD7, where the voter registration skews heavily Democratic, with 40% registered to the party compared to 21% Republican and nearly 39% independents. Among the five Democratic candidates is Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late congressman, highlighting the race’s personal stakes.

Meanwhile, turmoil persists within the Arizona Democratic Party as new chair Robert Branscomb clashes with prominent elected leaders. Tension escalated when Branscomb communicated grievances in a letter to party committee members, sparking rebuke from U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as Governor Katie Hobbs and other officials. In the letter, Branscomb asserted he would not be intimidated by leaders regarding staffing decisions.

Those in party leadership expressed concern over Branscomb’s public confrontation, labeling it a misstep that undermines collaborative efforts vital for future election successes. Former committee members emphasized that building trust with established leaders is critical for the party’s viability moving forward. Branscomb’s controversial approach raises questions about his effectiveness in uniting the party for upcoming electoral challenges.