Progressive Democrats Targeting More Moderate Democrats in Arizona

Progressive Democrats are increasingly running for office in Arizona as Democrats and winning. They are often backed by the Working Families Party (WFP), which has been accused of ties to communism. During the 2024 election, the Arizona Freedom Caucus stated that 50% of Democratic legislative leadership was endorsed by “Communists,” referring to the WTP.
 

This year, five very progressive candidates are running on a slate for the Arizona Legislature called “No Safe Seats.” Four of the five are running in primaries against more traditional Democrats. Their fundraising effort has received $7,500 so far.

Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-Maryvale), who has no primary challenger and a 0 rating from the American Conservative Union (ACU) out of 100, organized the slate. 

“People are choosing popular policies over political labels. And so you have candidates who identify as democratic socialists,” Ortiz said during an appearance on Politics Unplugged. “You have other candidates like myself, who are endorsed by the Working Families Party and a similar effort to create a true multiracial democracy fighting for the working class.”