Three Takeaways from the Tucson Election – Cathy Nichols
For those of you from around the state who may not have been following closely, there was a seismic shift yesterday in Tucson. We had a city election where two great women won by overwhelming margins. I wanted to share this with all of you just because it is proof of what people power can do:
1. Congratulations Tucson! For the first time ever, we have the potential (once we are through the general) to have a city council that looks like our city. Not only demographically does it mirror our reality, it is also closer to the median age of the city and reflects the incredible diversity of our families and our community. Tucson made representative democracy a real thing last night.
2. Hard work pays off. Our candidates were outspent and faced negative campaigning and how did they respond? With community care and commitment: canvassing from public parks, on the phones calling voters with questions, showing up over and over again for community forums and debates. When the other side went low, they stayed focused and present — and the voters noticed.
3. Voters care. When the candidates show up, the voters respond. We saw bicyclists in Ward 6 riding up with their ballots. We saw whole families driving up to vote together in Ward 5. When people see themselves in the candidates, they get invested in the election.
We head to the general now — but with the energy of these primaries, we know that they will both cross the finish line strong.
Congratulations Selina and Miranda!
-Cathy Nichols
| P.S. This is what your membership with Arizona List fuels — victories that change the face of leadership in our state. Right now, every membership gift is being matched. Join us today and help power more wins like this. |