Building a unifying coalition in Congressional District 5

Charlene Bisson/Independent Newsmedia

ELECTIONS 2026

Candidate Q&A: District 5 U.S. House Democratic hopefuls

OPINION — In response to East Valley Democrats urged to consider CD5 candidates
carefully:

True leadership isn’t defined by rigid labels or backward-looking divisions; it is defined by a shared commitment to the people of the East Valley. To build a stronger future for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, we must focus entirely on what unites us: stable communities, responsive representation and an economy that works for every family.

Progress is a journey we take together, and we see exactly what a courageous, unified coalition looks like in our state's most trusted leaders. We see it in Attorney General Kris Mayes, a former Republican who constantly champions consumer protections, and in the unwavering leadership of state Sen. Analise Ortiz, a committed progressive standing strong for Arizona families.

The very fact that this campaign brings together a former Republican attorney general and a steadfast progressive leader reveals its true appeal.

They recognize that real progress requires a leader who serves as the common thread — someone focused on an unshakeable care for the people rather than pushing them apart. As a nurse and dedicated advocate, Elizabeth Lee doesn’t focus on political gatekeeping; she focuses on the frontline work of listening to families and delivering results.

The stakes of this election cycle are far too high for our community to be distracted by personal friction or narrow disputes. True progressivism is built on empathy, collaboration and a determination to move forward.

This July and November, let’s reject the low road of internal division, expand our tent and unite behind Elizabeth Lee — the only candidate dedicated to building a brighter future for the East Valley.

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