07/12/2026
We know that flipping AZ-05 is going to take more than just turning out Democrats. Republicans in this district outnumber Democrats two to one and even independents outnumber Democrats by a factor of one and a half.
One thing I’m seeing is that Elizabeth Lee’s campaign keeps using the phrase “building a coalition.” I don’t think they know what that word means. Elizabeth has been endorsed exclusively by Democrats and groups that are aligned expressly with the Democratic Party. That isn’t a coalition - that’s a group that we know will support any Democrat in the primary election. It speaks nothing to pulling in independents or disillusioned Republicans, and we need both to be competitive in this seat.
Chris James, on the other hand, has a notable endorsement from the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, who chose him not only over the Democrats running, but over the Republican candidates as well. That organization has historically leaned Republican, and an endorsement of a Democrat is a big reason to think that Chris will have bipartisan appeal.
If the goal is truly to try to win this district, the only chance we have is Chris James. Otherwise, we’ll lose by 20 points like we always do, even in a blue wave year.
