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PPAA’s 2020 Candidate Endorsements: Supporting Progressive Democrats

By Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona | July 9, 2020, 9:03 p.m.

Category: Voting


Arizonans understand that their state is the front line in the battle against Donald Trump, Martha McSally, and the conservative agenda, but heroes of reproductive justice are being targeted from inside the Democratic Party as well. Democratic primary challengers from the right are attempting to incapacitate the movement for reproductive health and abortion access in Arizona and voters must rally behind legislators who support our cause. Over the coming weeks, we will be highlighting our endorsed legislators who face a primary challenge on August 4th, and why it is critical that they have our support. Representative Diego Rodriguez and Melody Hernandez have been fighting for progressive causes and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona is proud to endorse Rodriguez for reelection and Hernandez for election. 

 

Representative Diego Rodriguez - 18th Legislative District

Diego Rodriguez, representing the 27th Legislative District, is an enthusiastic champion on behalf of the progressive issues that concern all Arizonans. Rodriguez, having returned to Arizona after college to open his own law practice, felt the call to public service to help mitigate the damage perpetrated by the Trump Administration and the Republican majority in Phoenix. In 2018, Rodriguez was part of the Blue Wave that brought Arizona closer to a Democratic majority than has happened since 1993. On August 4th, Representative Rodriguez faces a primary from anti-abortion challenger Catherine Miranda. This primary presents a stark choice for the people of the 27th District, between a self-described “pro-life” Democrat who endorsed Governor Ducey, and the progressive champion in Diego Rodriguez who signed onto the June 2020 letter demanding the Supreme Court protect abortion access. 

Rep. Rodriguez currently sits on the Elections and Judiciary Committees. He was a cosponsor on H.B. 2226, the source of expanded Arizona family leave, and of H.B. 2206 which creates a study committee for sexual assault victims. If reproductive justice is to be enshrined in Arizona law, the House of Representatives cannot afford to lose Diego Rodriguez.   

Representative Melody Hernandez - 26th Legislative District

Melody Hernandez is running as part of a clean elections candidate slate to be the Representative for the 26th Legislative District with Rep. Athena Salman and Sen. Juan Mendez. Dedicated to the service of others, Hernandez has been serving her community for five years in emergency medical services as a paramedic. The COVID-19 crisis has brought into light the lifesaving work done by EMTs across Arizona. Prior to joining EMS, Hernandez tutored students with special needs in emergency shelters that supported children experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. Hernandez has been a lifelong and loyal member of the Democratic Party and the former Chair of the 26th Legislative District.

Tags: Endorsement, candidates, voting, Election Day, ElectionsMatter, sex-education, Candidate Spotlight, Health Equity, elections, Arizona

About Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona (PPAA) is Planned Parenthood’s advocacy arm in Arizona and the state’s largest nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting access to sexual and reproductive health care. PPAA is fighting for every person’s freedom and right to make reproductive choices, enjoy sexual health and wellbeing, and build healthy, strong families by educating voters, public officials, and candidates for public office.

PPAA is a 501 (c)(4) organization, which is a nonprofit organization that can engage in electoral and political activities. Donations to a 501 (c)(4) organizations are not tax-deductible.

This page is controlled and operated by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.