Out Numbered?

Once in a while we get a comment to the effect that “Mesa is 65% Republican and only 35% Democratic. You have no chance to win, especially as a Progressive”. Our optimistic reply is something like “That may be true, but you forget that Mesa is 99% decent people, and we are counting on them!”

Statistics

In Mesa City Council District 5 there are roughly 60,000 registered voters. 26,000 are Republican, 13,000 are Democrat and 21,000 are “other” (all numbers are rounded and approximated for simplicity). So while the Republicans are double the Democrats, they are not a majority of registered voters. The Trump effect may cause many Republicans (especially the less extreme) to stay home and may motivate an increase in voter turnout by Democratic and “Other” voters. 

The way the Mesa City Council election works is that if any candidate gets more than 50% of the votes for that office in the July 21 “Primary Election” then that candidate wins. Otherwise, the top two vote getters advance to the November 3 “General Election” with whoever gets the most votes winning.

In the 2020 District 5  "election" there were only 18,000 votes cast in the Primary, which all went to Mrs. Goforth as she ran unopposed. She thus won without facing a General election. District 6 Primary had 17,000 votes cast of which 10,000 went to Scott Somers and 7,000 to Darla Trendler. Since Mr. Somers got more than 50% in the Primary he won without facing a General election. We don't know how many Democrats, Republicans and “Others” voted on each side as it's a nonpartisan race. But, we can surmise that if any candidate in District 5 can get over 9,000 votes in the July 21 Primary, they will win without a general election runoff.

If we can get the word out that Danny is the Progressive and the only Democrat of the 5 candidates, and that he is for the working class and average resident we might get all of the Democratic votes. Of course, if all 13,000 Democrats voted for Danny we would win. Unfortunately that is unrealistic. Voter turnout in the last Arizona election cycle was Republican 1,550,566 (35.79%), Democratic 1,219,616 (28.15%)  and “Other” 1,484,627 (34.27%). But, if we could get Democratic voter turnout to 50% or more, so that half of our 13,000 voters vote for us, we will have 6500 as a base. Presuming that 34% of the 18,000 District 5 voters are "Other", if we can get 2500 of their votes we have plenty to win. Who knows, maybe a few sensible Republicans will vote for me, too?

We Can, and With Your Help Will, Win in Mesa District 5

We will do everything we can to get the word out. Digital campaigns are great, but there is no substitute for a lot of yard signs, flyers and other written materials that cost money to produce and distribute. So, if you want to see someone with Progressive views represent you on the Mesa City Council, please donate whatever you can; and thank you. Together we can and will win in July. 

What's Nonpartisan?

The City Council race is “nonpartisan”, so some people question why I mention Party or my Progressive political views. But, nonpartisan simply means that anyone, regardless of how they are registered to vote, are allowed to vote for any candidate running for that office regardless of their party affiliation, and the ballot will not designate any Party for any candidates for that office. So, unless I disclose where I am coming from you won’t know.

Political Philosophy is Relevant

For me, "nonpartisan" does not mean Party or political philosophy is irrelevant. That would be naive. The City Council makes decisions that directly affect its residents. Like increasing your utility rates, approving new data centers in your neighborhood, opening homeless shelters, approving affordable housing, solving noise pollution at Falcon Field, etc. A candidate's views and philosophy are important for the voters to know how the candidate will likely approach matters that arise for the Council’s decision. Will they favor business interests or working families interests? Will they approach crime merely with increased enforcement or will they seek to solve core underlying social issues causing crime? Will they approve new businesses and developments because it will make a few wealthy, and boost their social status or will they insist on concessions to provide affordable housing and housing for the homeless? Will they tend to put the less well off and marginalized groups' interests ahead of, or behind, those of the affluent? 

 

Turning Point Has Made it Political

City Council decisions should be made without interference or intimidation by outside organizations. Councilmembers should not be pressured or threatened for acting independently in the best interests of their residents. But, politics has been injected into the process. When councilmember Julie Spilsbury (a Republican) faced a recall effort supported by Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA, after she committed the unforgivable “sin” of endorsing Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, it underscored the growing influence of outside groups in local governance. Mesa’s elected officials must answer to the people of Mesa - not to national political organizations. But, the reality is that every councilmember is now looking over their shoulder to make sure they don’t do anything that a powerful outside group like Turning Point  doesn’t like. That is not true “nonpartisanship”. So, let’s be honest and transparent about where we stand and stand up to Turning Point and their ilk.

Your donation matters

Your support is crucial to the success of our campaign. We promise that nothing will be wasted. Your contributions are vital for funding essential campaign materials and activities that reach our community effectively.

Only Individual Donations Are Allowed

Danny is beholden to only one group, the residents of Mesa's 5th District. He only accepts money from Individual U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents from their personal funds. Contributions from trusts, corporations, limited liability companies, Political Action Committees (including  AIPAC), Unions and anyone with business pending before the Mesa City Council are refused. Danny is running a grassroots community-funded campaign so that the PEOPLE of Mesa have more say than any special interests. City Council elections are not eligible for Clean Election funding so we are entirely dependent on donations. The other candidates are funded by business and real estate developers.  

Every contribution, big or small, helps us build a stronger Mesa. Your donation directly impacts our ability to reach voters and share our message. Join us in making a real difference. 

Campaign materials

Your donation will primarily go towards the purchase of important campaign materials such as signs, posters, and flyers, ensuring our message is seen throughout Mesa.

Community engagement

We use funds to organize and host public events and gatherings, creating opportunities for direct conversations with the Mesa community.

Voter outreach

Funds also support various outreach efforts, helping us connect with more voters and ensure every voice in Mesa is heard.

Be a part of positive change

When you contribute to Danny's campaign, you're not just donating money; you're investing in a better future for Mesa. Feel proud knowing your support directly helps us achieve our goals and serve our community.