Arizona Democratic Party chairwoman outlines strategy to win crucial state in 2024

Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano outlined her strategy to help Democrats in the swing state dominate in the polls next year: focus on topics such as abortion and paint Republicans as the party that wants to “destroy” democracy.

Bejarano said her No. 1 focus is contrasting the two parties by showcasing how Democrats want to “protect” democracy in the United States while Republicans allegedly seek to destroy it. Bejarano also characterized former President Donald Trump and former Arizona gubernatorial hopeful Kari Lake as “dangerous” to the state.

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“The No. 1 thing is making the persuasive argument that Democrats want to protect our democracy; Republicans want to destroy our democracy,” Bejarano told the Guardian on Tuesday. “Democrats are helping working families, bringing back jobs, Democrats are supporting small businesses. … Lowering the price of prescription drug prices that affects everybody, regardless of party affiliation. So I think it’s that we Democrats believe in our democracy, Democrats believe in protecting our institutions and Republicans are trying to tear down everything and privatize things.”

Bejarano also claimed that the way Democrats unite around abortion in Arizona is a huge part of securing victories in 2024 and played a major role in previous elections. Democrats in Arizona were able to get many abortion-rights candidates elected in 2022, including the governor, state attorney general, and secretary of state.

“When abortion is on the ballot, like we saw in Kansas, we saw it in Ohio, what happened in Virginia, people do not want the government interfering with their decisions to grow or start a family,” Bejarano said. “People in Arizona and across the country believe that everyone should be free to decide how and when to start and grow a family free from political interference. This is a big issue. It’s going to get on the ballot and we’re going to make sure that a woman’s right to an abortion is enshrined in our constitution.”

When it comes to other policies, such as immigration, Bejarano emphasized her state’s response to the border crisis rather than touting what the Biden administration has done. She also accused Republicans of weaponizing the border and, therefore, not actually seeking a solution.

“I 100% agree that the border needs to be a safe, secure, and welcoming place,” Bejarano said. “Our Arizona Democrats from Gov. [Katie] Hobbs to our congressional delegation, they’re multi-focused on this issue. It’s a complicated issue. And Democrats are working towards a solution that prioritizes the economics, the safety, the humanity, treating people humanely, people who are suffering and trying to find a better life.”

Bejarano also hit back against economic criticism, claiming that the world was seeing high inflation as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, not just the U.S.

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“We are starting to see the economic progress made with Bidenomics,” Bejarano claimed. “In our wallets we’re seeing decreased energy prices, and there’s a consistent drop in inflation. So what we’re doing is letting folks know that the reason why they’re seeing their energy bills decreasing is because of our Democratic policies. The cap on insulin at $35 a month for Medicare recipients, that’s because of Democratic policies. Our infrastructure, our improved roads are thanks to Democratic policies.”

The Democrat added that President Joe Biden‘s presidential campaign needs to focus on the kitchen table issues that many people are concerned about. These include the return of union jobs, expanding broadband, and lowering internet costs. Bejarano said touting those policies is “a winning message.”