Black leaders from across the state have come out in support of embattled Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Robert Branscomb, who is navigating infighting, a call to resign and contentious union negotiations with party staff.
Branscomb took over the party earlier this year, defeating former Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano during the Arizona Democratic Party’s annual meeting in January.
His tenure, so far, has been marked by party infighting.
In April, Arizona’s top elected Democrats said they lost trust in his leadership. And other party officials have raised questions about Branscomb’s authority, saying they are concerned he is not putting them in the best position to win heading into next year’s midterm elections.
For his part, Branscomb has defended his performance and accused past party leaders and current elected officials of undermining his leadership.
Black leaders from across the state, including faith leaders and current and former elected officials, are standing with Branscomb, the first Black person to chair the Arizona Democratic Party.
“Let us be clear, Mr. Branscomb has been actively involved with the AZ Democratic Party for many years,” according to the letter signed by former lawmaker and Corporation Commissioner Sandra Kennedy; Maricopa Vice Mayor Henry Wade; and former Phoenix Councilmen Michael Johnson and Cody Williams.
Connie DeLarge, co-chair of the state party’s African American Caucus, also signed the letter alongside faith leaders, including Dr. Amos Lewis, Pastor Grady Scott, Dr. Warren Stewart and Pastor David Wade.
“He ascended to this elected position without the benefit of support, resources, or transitional assistance from the prior party leadership. That absence of institutional backing underscores the challenges he has already had to confront.”
In the letter, Branscomb’s supporters called on Arizona Democrats to support Branscomb, saying his chairmanship provides an opportunity “to engage communities that have too often been marginalized and to deliver real change for working families, young voters, and communities of color.”
“It is time to create a new Democratic era in Arizona,” they wrote. “Our Arizona Democratic Party must change direction for this new era to become reality. Robert Branscomb is a change agent. He was overwhelmingly elected because of his vision and energy. We know that a strong and unified Democratic Party is good for Arizona, and we are confident that Mr. Branscomb is the leader who will help us reach all our goals.”
The vote of confidence comes as Branscomb faces criticism from fellow party leaders who have expressed serious concerns about the party’s inner workings during his short tenure.
That includes questions about an annual budget that has yet to be adopted. Branscomb’s critics say the budget proposal lacks details necessary to plan for the year ahead and the 2026 election cycle, according to a letter sent earlier this month by 10 of the 15 county party chairs.
The letter also said Branscomb hasn’t been transparent about his own pay as chair.
And a union representing permanent party staff has publicly called out Branscomb and his leadership team over ongoing negotiations.
“Management’s actions don’t reflect a Party rooted in respect, democracy, and worker dignity. Their actions reflect the fear of an organized staff that is unified and unafraid to demand better,” the ADP HQ Union Staff wrote in a press release.
According to an email the union sent to supporters, the state party “continues to reject paid parental leave for its unionized staff while calling itself the party of working families."
Those rejections would conflict with positions Democrats have staked out both in Arizona and at the national level.
Arizona Democrats have pushed for legislation to create a paid family and medical leave plan for the state, and congressional Democrats have made similar proposals at the national level.
The union also alleged that party leadership has proposed capping sick leave at five days per year, denying cost of living adjustments for pay and denying coverage for reproductive care that was previously provided by the party.
In a statement, Branscomb said the party is “committed to reaching a fair and respectful contract” and that it has been “bargaining in good faith.”
He did not directly address the specific allegations made by the union.
“We are disappointed by recent public mischaracterizations of our positions. These statements do not reflect the ongoing, respectful efforts we’ve made during negotiations,” he said.
Despite the ongoing strife, Branscomb said he isn’t going anywhere, telling the Arizona Republic, “I keep showing up.”
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