Overview

• State Democratic Party Chair Robert Branscomb II accused Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego of threats and intimidation after appointing Michael Ruff as executive director against their preference.
• Kelly, Gallego, and other top Arizona Democrats, including Governor Katie Hobbs, condemned Branscomb’s claims as false and declared they no longer trust his leadership.
• The feud follows the resignation of party secretary Lisa Sanor, who cited transparency and planning failures, highlighting broader organizational dysfunction within the party.
• The public conflict has drawn national attention, with former Senator Kyrsten Sinema mocking the situation on social media, and analysts warning of Branscomb’s diminished effectiveness.
• The ongoing turmoil threatens the party’s fundraising, voter registration efforts, and strategic readiness as Democrats prepare to defend key statewide offices in the 2026 elections.