Stanton faces progressive challenge from Newkirk in Democratic primary
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Kai Newkirk, left, is challenging U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, right, in the Democratic primary for the 4th Congressional District. Photos: Courtesy of the Newkirk and Stanton campaigns
The progressive left is challenging establishment-oriented Democrats in primaries across the country, including in Arizona's 4th Congressional District, where U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton is seeking re-election.
Why it matters: Anger over issues like U.S. support for Israel, corporate influence and what many critics view as inadequately aggressive opposition to President Trump has fueled a wave of progressive challenges in a Democratic Party whose voters are shifting to the left.
The big picture: Kai Newkirk, an activist and organizer, launched a late challenge to Stanton in the strongly but not overwhelmingly Democratic CD4, which includes Tempe, Ahwatukee and parts of Chandler and Mesa.
- Newkirk called Stanton a "corporate Democrat" and conventional "status quo" leader, criticizing the four-term incumbent for supporting Israel amid its war against Hamas, voting for the Laken Riley Act immigration bill, and opposing policies like Medicare for all and the abolition of ICE.
State of play: Newkirk earned a coveted endorsement last month from Our Revolution, the progressive advocacy group founded by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders after his unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign.
- Our Revolution communications and campaign director Paco Fabian told Axios the group's aim is to bolster the progressive wing in Congress, and criticized Stanton for what he deemed lackluster opposition to Trump.
- He said Our Revolution has about 20,000 members in the district, and the group is encouraging them to support Newkirk.
The only other Arizona candidate Our Revolution has endorsed is U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, who's unopposed in the Democratic primary.
- Yes, but: Grijalva is endorsing Stanton.
Between the lines: Democratic operatives who spoke to Axios said they don't think Newkirk poses a serious threat.
- Stanton is well-liked within the party, Democratic consultant Matt Grodsky said, adding that he's skeptical that Our Revolution will do much to help Newkirk's campaign.
- "He'll make some noise. I don't think he emerges as the victor," Grodsky said.
Zoom in: Stanton, a former Phoenix mayor and council member, won his first U.S. House election in 2018 and has easily won all four of his races.
- As of the end of the last reporting period in late March, Stanton has more than $1.8 million on hand, while Newkirk's campaign says he's raised over $100,000.
What they're saying: "It's always been clear to me that he's a corporate Democrat who's never going to fight for the kinds of changes that we need to really shift from oligarchy in our country to a real democracy that puts working-class people first," Newkirk told Axios.
- He also criticized Stanton for refusing to debate.
The other side: "Greg Stanton has shown up for this community, day after day and year after year — demanding answers at ICE detention facilities, leading the fight against Trump's illegal tariffs that are driving up costs, and investing in the water and energy infrastructure that families and businesses rely on," his campaign said in a statement to Axios.
- The campaign said he missed the debate due to a visit to the Dilley Detention Center in Texas and campaign activities in Tucson with JoAnna Mendoza, who's attempting to flip a Republican-held seat.
What's next: The primary is July 21 and early voting begins June 24.