East Valley Democrats urged to consider CD5 candidates carefully

Adobe Stock

ELECTIONS 2026

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

ELECTIONS 2026

Debate: CD5 Dems all say they can beat GOP in race for Biggs' seat

OPINION — This year, Democrats have a unique opportunity to pursue seats that would not ordinarily be in play. Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, covering most of the East Valley, is one such seat. But Democrats risk throwing away that opportunity if they rally behind the wrong candidate.

We all saw the historic incompetence and long-term damage caused by the first Trump administration. The second go-round is shaping up to be a catastrophe. Trump is responsible for unnecessary war, tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and rampant corruption that will take a generation to recover from.

Elizabeth Lee was registered as a Republican until 2018. She has dodged questions asking whether she voted for Donald Trump in 2016.

Now, she asks for your vote as the “progressive” candidate — a label she adopted to appease voters, not as a reflection of her values. Arizona has a recent history of candidates who say one thing to get into office, then do another. Arizona deserves better than another Kyrsten Sinema. 

Better options are available. While Elizabeth Lee supported Republicans, Chris James worked in the Obama administration getting resources to underserved communities and Brian Hualde served our nation as a combat medic in Iraq. 

When casting your ballot in July, consider who has consistently been on our side.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Blake Bracht filed to run for the CD5 Democratic nomination before withdrawing this spring after the signatures deadline.  

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.