Coalitions can’t be manufactured; CD5 candidate’s is built on trust

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OPINION — Elections aren’t won online. They’re won by earning trust.

Over the past several months, I’ve watched two very different campaigns unfold in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. One has been consumed by campaign drama. The other has been focused on meeting voters where they are.

As someone who’s volunteered on Elizabeth Lee’s campaign from the beginning, I’ve watched Elizabeth do what she always does: show up.

She’s held community conversations where everyone had a seat at the table. She’s met with veterans, teachers, nurses, parents, small business owners and young voters, asking one simple question: What keeps you up at night?

Then she listened. People notice that.

Today, Elizabeth has earned the broadest coalition of support in 5 th Congressional District race — from elected leaders like Adelita Grijalva, Kris Mayes, Analise Ortiz, Lauren Kuby, Nancy Gutierrez and Sarah Liguori to healthcare professionals, labor organizations, reproductive freedom advocates, physicians, nurses, equality advocates, young Democrats and grassroots community groups.

Those endorsements weren’t manufactured. They were earned through months of conversations, relationship-building and showing people who she is.

That matters because governing is about building coalitions among people who don’t always agree. It requires listening, respect and a willingness to solve problems together.

The same coalition that can win a primary can also win a general election by bringing together Democrats, independents and others looking for a representative who will listen and lead with integrity.

Coalitions aren’t built through rumors or online outrage. They’re built one conversation at a time.

That’s what I’ve watched Elizabeth Lee do for months, and it’s why I believe she’s built the broad support needed to win in November and represent everyone in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.

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