Former Reagan Republican Switches to Democrat to Oppose Trump

Deborah Howard, ex-Republican and Reagan admin member, now runs as a Democrat to defeat Trump and flip Arizona legislature.

October 30, 2024

Article Summary –

Deborah Howard, a former Republican and Reagan-era official, is running for Arizona’s state legislature as a Democrat to oppose Trump and the GOP’s stance on issues like abortion rights and education. She criticizes Arizona’s GOP for ignoring voters’ wishes and is focused on reproductive rights and education reform.

What drives a former Republican from the Reagan era to run for office as a Democrat?

“I quit politics,” chuckled Deborah Howard, “but I realized my goal is to defeat Donald Trump, starting with helping state legislature candidates flip seats.”

With a communications background in Reagan’s Labor Department and the American Association of Retired People (AARP), Howard was equipped for this challenge. She led voter registration and redistricting in Maricopa County, dismayed by state Republicans ignoring the majority regarding issues like abortion rights, school vouchers, and taxes.

“Arizona voters twice opposed universal school vouchers,” Howard noted, “but the legislative majority ignored them.”

Furthermore, voters approved Prop 208, a wealth tax for public education, but lawmakers dodged it by rewriting the tax code. These actions shifted Arizona from a surplus to a $1.4 billion deficit.

Howard’s district, Arizona’s 27th Legislative District, was represented by election deniers. “Our state senator Anthony Kern was also a January 6 participant,” she said. Howard, with Democratic candidates, decided to run for office.

Discussing service and Arizona’s voters, Howard told Copper Courier about her driving force. This interview has been edited for clarity.

Copper Courier: Volunteerism and service have been significant for you.

DH:

My parents instilled the value of politics as honorable. Serving workers was central to our family’s values. Working at AARP, volunteerism became part of my DNA.

CC: You’ve persisted even in tough times.

DH:

Yes, after my husband’s sudden death, I rejoined life by volunteering for the Peace Corps in Madagascar. A health checkup revealed cancer, and post-treatment, I focused on political change.

CC: What issues matter to voters now?

DH:

Abortion access and education. When canvassing for the abortion amendment, many stories were heartbreaking, highlighting the importance of reproductive rights.

Pregnancy should be joyous, not terrifying. Republican stances threaten contraception and IVF; these rights should be constitutional.

CC: Any anti-abortion backlash?

DH:

Very little, thankfully. I fiercely defend straightforward issues like bodily autonomy.

CC: How do you improve Arizona’s education, ranked 49th in funding?

DH:

Electing a pro-education majority can restore funding, recruit teachers, and offer affordable post-secondary options like community college.

CC: Your stance on affordable housing?

DH:

Arizona is among the 10 least affordable states. We’ll work with legislators to ensure first-time buyers can afford homes and renters are protected from hikes.

CC: What’s your Republican opponent difference?

DH:

Only I support reproductive freedom, public education funding, and clean energy policy. Arizona could be a solar leader. Voters’ choices matter at the ballot box.