Article Summary –
Roberto Reveles, a lifelong democrat and advocate for civil liberties, is running for the state legislature in Arizona’s 7th Legislative District. Reveles’ campaign is focused on issues such as racial equity, immigration reform, and threats to democracy, with his policies reflecting a more traditional form of Arizona conservatism. He is challenging Wendy Rogers, a well-funded far-right figure facing allegations of promoting violence against political rivals, for the seat.
Roberto Reveles experienced segregation while growing up in Miami, Arizona. Latino and Indigenous students were punished for speaking languages other than English at school. In adulthood, Reveles has made it his mission to fight against injustice and for civil liberties. His next goal is to defeat one of the most heavily-funded, far-right politicians in local politics.
Challenging Far-Right Extremism
In Arizona’s 7th Legislative District, which spans across multiple counties, Reveles plans to replace his current far-right state senator, Wendy Rogers. Despite the district being predominantly Republican, Reveles, a lifelong Democrat, believes he can sway voters.
Rogers, known for her violent political rhetoric, was censured by the Republican-led state senate in 2022. She has called for violence against opponents, forcibly removed the public from meetings, and even faced a lawsuit for assault from a former employee.
Striving for Democratic Normalcy
Reveles criticizes Rogers’ actions as harmful to democracy and self-serving. He argues his own liberal conservatism aligns more with the local community’s values. Reveles aims to restore trust in elections, protect democracy from harmful influences, and prioritize issues like climate change, education funding, and abortion rights.
Defending Immigrants’ Rights
Racial equity is a key issue sparking Reveles’ lifetime of advocacy. He co-founded Somos America, an immigrants’ rights group, and led one of the state’s largest civil rights marches against legislation criminalizing aid to undocumented immigrants.
Reveles has consistently opposed anti-immigration laws. His battle against the “Show Me Your Papers” law, SB 1070, led to a successful class-action lawsuit against former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for racial profiling.
If elected, Reveles plans to collaborate with Congress and other states for comprehensive immigration reform.
Undeterred by Age
At 91, Reveles would be the oldest person elected to the legislature since Polly Rosenbaum. Despite calls for him to step aside for younger Democrat Haley Creighton, Reveles is up for the challenge.
Voting in Arizona’s Primary Elections runs from July 3 to 30. If Reveles wins the Democratic nomination, he will compete against the Republican nominee on November 5.
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