Democrats opened a new campaign headquarters for the 26th Legislative District Saturday. The office is located at Dorsey Lane and University Drive. (Photo by Marissa Krings)Democrats opened a new 26th Legislative District campaign headquarter Saturday in Tempe.
A crowd of about 50 supporters and volunteers gathered in the new office near University Drive and Dorsey Lane to mingle with the 26th District candidates and hear U.S. Senate candidate Richard Carmona and Maricopa County Sheriff candidate Paul Penzone speak.
The speakers rallied around gaining a Democratic majority in Arizona, hoping to energize the volunteers.
“Arizona’s going to go blue,” State Senate candidate Ed Ableser said in a speech.
State House candidate Juan Mendez said the momentum they gathered for the campaign Saturday encouraged him.
“We’ve been able to pull so many (community members) together, and that’s how we are going to get things done,” Mendez said.
Mendez said the office will act as a gathering place for all Democratic candidates and a launching point for their volunteers.
ASU students involved with the Young Democrats were there as canvassers and volunteers.
Mendez, who used to be the president of the organization during his time at ASU, said he still works closely with the members and encourages them to be involved in the campaigns.
“Young people can do more,” Mendez said. “They can take on more responsibilities.”
English literature sophomore Peter Northfelt, who attended the grand opening, is interning with Mendez this fall.
Northfelt said the election is important because the Arizona Legislature makes decisions that affect ASU students.
“We live in the district where it’s just basically Tempe, where these legislatures will be passing laws that will directly affect (ASU students),” he said.
Civil engineering sophomore and Young Democrats member Amy Umaretiya canvassed for the candidates for the first time Saturday.
“They all have really great ties to ASU,” Umaretiya said. “They go to all of our Young Democrat meetings.”
Reach the reporter at tnhoman@asu.edu
