The Democratic nominee for Congressional District 8 had the debate stage to himself for Tuesday night’s Citizens Clean Elections event. That’s because Greg Whitten’s opponent, Republican Abe Hamadeh, declined to participate.
In his first TV appearance as a candidate, Whitten used his time to accuse Hamadeh of being a blank check for former President Donald Trump. Trump endorsed Hamadeh in the 2022 attorney general’s race, which he lost to Kris Mayes. Whitten cited Hamadeh’s views on abortion.
“Let’s be real, he’s extreme,” Whitten said. “On abortion he would ban it totally, he has said he would throw doctors and nurses in jail.”
Despite District 8 being known as heavily Republican, Whitten believes there’s a chance he can win as a Democrat.
“The district has grown. A lot of independents have come in and it’s actually one of the top districts that has the most independents,” Whitten said. “On top of that, I think that the– when I go around and talk to constituents. They’re sick of not being served by my predecessor. I think they want someone to get things done for them in Washington.”
His predecessor being Republican Incumbent Debbie Lesko, who is not seeking reelection.
Congressional District 8 covers most of the West Valley and parts of Maricopa and Yavapai counties.
