Arizona Democratic Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Election Strategy
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Democratic leaders in Arizona are expressing discontent with the state party’s current strategic approach. Concerns about the absence of a detailed election plan have been raised by multiple county chairs, highlighting a growing rift within the party.
In a letter addressed to Robert Branscomb, the Arizona Democratic Party Chairman, leaders from 10 counties, including Maricopa, Pima, and Yavapai, underscored the lack of a comprehensive strategic plan in the budget proposal. The chairs noted the proposal’s failure to outline essential elements such as internal and external communications, media, and organizational strategies.
“It has been suggested that the budget related to strategic planning will be forthcoming, but such a bifurcation of the budget is not allowed by the Bylaws of the Arizona Democratic Party (BADP),” the letter stated, as reported by KJZZ.
The discord follows public disagreements between Branscomb and prominent Arizona Democrats, which have led to calls for his resignation. This tension has surfaced shortly after Branscomb’s election in January, where he succeeded Yolanda Bejarano, the candidate supported by the state’s top Democrats.
Branscomb’s leadership aimed at enhancing transparency, following controversies involving a former party treasurer. In a recent email, Branscomb reminded party members, “You elected me to bring meaningful change, transparency, and accountability to our institution.” Yet, the county chairs’ letter suggests dissatisfaction with his progress in achieving these goals.
Questions have also arisen about Branscomb’s financial arrangements with the party. The letter reveals that the party’s executive board has sanctioned an independent contractor contract to compensate Branscomb, a contract the chairs have been denied access to review.
Financial disclosures show that the practice of compensating party chairs is not unprecedented. Yolanda Bejarano, Branscomb’s predecessor, received $204,000 during her term, including payments for strategic planning consulting. Conversely, Raquel Terán, who led the party from 2021 to 2023, was not compensated except for a minor reimbursement.
In their correspondence, the county chairs emphasized the need for transparency in reviewing such contracts, citing concerns over potential conflicts of interest and performance evaluations. Additional grievances include Branscomb’s failure to meet deadlines for appointing party officials and not properly notifying committee members about an upcoming budget review meeting.
Branscomb has not yet commented on these issues.
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