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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2024 Contact: press@luchaaz.org PHOENIX –  Today, the Arizona Supreme Court once again revealed its true colors as a GOP-packed court, siding with those who seek to strip away the rights and dignity of Arizonans rather than standing for the betterment of our communities. Today’s unanimous decision threatens  the fundamental freedoms and civil rights of all Arizonans by paving the way for the dangerous and discriminatory Proposition 314 to appear on the ballot this November.  In a statement, LUCHA Executive Director Alejandra Gomez said,  “Prop 314 is more than just a bad piece of legislation; it is a direct assault on Arizona’s communities. Prop 314 is designed to create a separate immigration system that will facilitate the mass deportations outlined in Trump’s Project 2025 agenda. The motivations behind this proposition are clear: to instill fear, promote racial profiling and enable the unchecked over-policing of Arizona’s neighborhoods. If Prop 314 passes, every Arizonan, regardless of where they live, will be subjected to intense scrutiny, invasive stop-and-frisk tactics, and an unprecedented level of law enforcement investigation.”  Viri Hernandez, Strategy Director at Poder In Action, said,  “In the time since SB 1070 was passed, two of the largest law enforcement agencies in Arizona have proven themselves incapable of policing our neighborhoods without using racialized violence and discrimination against people of color. The Arizona Supreme Court decision to allow Prop 314 on the ballot tells law enforcement that continued racial profiling is acceptable in Arizona. And it reaffirms what communities of color have known for a long time- the justice system in Arizona was never built for our safety. We will continue to fight for and protect our communities in the face of ongoing state violence.” Prop 314 will cost Arizona taxpayers $314 million a year to implement - money that will be taken away from our schools, from public safety, from our roads and bridges and instead be used to turn our communities into police states. This bad piece of public policy will create an Arizona where people are targeted based on the color of their skin or the sound of their last name with impunity. This proposition is a clear and present danger to civil liberties and must be stopped. Gomez Continued, “LUCHA will not stand by and allow this unjust ruling to go unchallenged. We are committed to knocking on more than 1 million doors across the state to inform and mobilize voters against Prop 314. This will be a major motivator for Latinos and all Arizonans who value justice, freedom, fairness, and dignity. We will not rest until Prop 314 is defeated.” ###

Official Statement by Living United for Change in Arizona FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2024 Contact: press@luchaaz.org PHOENIX – Despite a relentless and historic grassroots effort, the community is mourning for Raquel Terán who narrowly lost by a razor-thin margin of 39 votes to secure the Congressional District 3 seat. While this outcome is not what our neighborhoods hoped for, it brings to light the corrupting influence of millions of dark money dollars spent by crypto bros and MAGA cronies. LUCHA members and the CD3 community built one of the largest grassroots campaigns in Arizona, with hundreds of dedicated organizers and volunteers knocking on more than 100,000 doors and engaging tens of thousands of voters. Despite the millions spent against us, we came within 39 votes of victory. Raquel Terán's deep commitment to her community, from her days as an organizer to her service in the Arizona legislature, resonated with countless voters who trusted her to represent them in Congress.  Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA, stated:  "This loss is heartbreaking for the thousands of Arizonans who have been fighting alongside Raquel Terán for over a decade. Terán has been a steadfast community advocate and will continue to be a hero to many. Today we face a stark reminder of the uphill battle many grassroots candidates face when they go head-to-head with crypto billionaire-backed, MAGA-funded candidates that use open congressional seats as a stepping stone to fulfill their personal political ambitions. Raquel Terán’s campaign was rooted in the values of service, justice, and equity—principles that can’t be bought or faked. While her opponent may have won this race, they cannot claim the hearts of the people in CD3." Gomez continued , "We know that Raquel’s fight for affordable healthcare, fully-funded schools, and working families will continue because these values are bigger than any election. This campaign displayed the power of community, and, although we didn’t win this time, we proved that people-power can challenge even the deepest, darkest pockets. We’re proud of Raquel Terán and all those who stood with her. This is not the end—it’s just another chapter in our fight for justice and equity in Arizona." While the outcome wasn’t what we fought for, we stand strong in our commitment to the values that brought us together. Raquel Terán may not be heading to Congress this time, but she will continue to fiercely advocate for CD3. We remain dedicated to the fight and ready to support leaders who put people over dark money special interests.

Official Statement from Living United for Change in Arizona FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2024 Contact: press@luchaaz.org PHOENIX –   In a decision that undermines democracy and threatens the rights of voters across Arizona, the Supreme Court today sided with GOP demands to impose proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration. Although the Court stopped short of purging more than 41,000 registered voters from the rolls, this decision marks a significant step backward in protecting the fundamental right to vote, especially for communities of color. Today’s SCOTUS decision adds just another barrier to the ballot box that will predominantly impact communities of color across Arizona, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for other states and for future elections. For years, MAGA Republicans have been on a mission to undermine the integrity of our democracy and our voting process. This includes disenfranchising key voting blocs that are primarily Black and Brown voters, who predominantly do not support MAGA extremism, and Donald Trump.  This ruling erects yet another barrier to the ballot box, disproportionately affecting Black, Brown  and indigenous Arizonans.  The move signals to communities of color that the GOP - through the U.S. Supreme Court now - is intent on making it harder for Black, Brown and indigenous voters to exercise their right to vote. By enacting such unnecessary and burdensome provisions, the Republican Party is trying to drown out the voices of those who overwhelmingly oppose MAGA extremism and Donald Trump. As polls indicate, the Black, Brown and indigenous voting blocs in Arizona are growing stronger, especially with Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket. In this year’s presidential election, Latino voters will represent 25 percent of the Arizona electorate. This trend in demographics is clearly alarming to the GOP, prompting them to enact draconian measures to suppress voter turnout, and using the courts to do their shady dealings.  Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), responded to the ruling: “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is no surprise—Arizona’s BIPOC communities have long been the target of GOP political ploys. This unjust ruling is a blatant attempt to silence the voices of voters who are excited to participate in our democracy. LUCHA has been fighting back against voter suppression and this particular piece of legislation (HB 2492) for years at the Capitol and the courtroom. So make no mistake: this ruling will only strengthen our resolve. Our communities are ready to vote these MAGA architects out, defeat Donald Trump and reclaim our democracy.” ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2024 Contact: press@luchaaz.org NEW ORLEANS —  Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) joined immigrants, advocates, and allies in New Orleans to stand in solidarity as we await the 5th Circuit Court’s critical decision on the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The pending ruling could determine the fate of hundreds of thousands of immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, placing their futures in limbo once again. Since its inception, DACA has provided temporary protection for recipients, allowing them to work, live, and contribute to their communities without the constant fear of deportation. However, the program and its beneficiaries have remained vulnerable to political and legal challenges, with their lives and futures subject to uncertainty. This moment is a turning point for DACA recipients, their families, and the immigrant community as a whole. In Arizona, LUCHA has long stood on the front lines of the fight for immigrant justice. From challenging harmful laws like SB1070, which permitted racial profiling, to confronting recent measures like Proposition 314 that threaten to criminalize immigrant communities, we know all too well the impact of fear-driven politics. As we wait for the court’s decision, we remain vigilant and prepared to fight back, no matter the outcome. “Our immigrant communities cannot continue to live in limbo,” said Karime Rodriguez, Servicios  Director/Manager of LUCHA. “While we wait for the court’s decision, we urge Congress, the Biden-Harris administration, and future leaders to act immediately to provide permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants. DACA was always meant to be a temporary solution. Now is the time for real, lasting reform.” LUCHA’s presence in New Orleans symbolizes our commitment to stand with allies and advocates across the nation, ready to take action depending on the court’s ruling. We know this decision could have far-reaching consequences, not just for DACA recipients, but for all immigrants in this country. This is a pivotal moment, and the need for comprehensive immigration reform has never been more urgent. As we await the court’s ruling, LUCHA remains steadfast in our mission to fight for dignity, safety, and justice for all immigrants. The uncertainty must end—our communities deserve better, and we will continue to fight until they are protected. About LUCHALiving United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) is a grassroots organization dedicated to achieving social, economic, and racial justice for working-class communities in Arizona. LUCHA works through advocacy, organizing, and electoral power to bring about systemic change and secure a future where all people, regardless of status, can live with dignity. ### SPANISH :  LUCHA VIAJA A NUEVA ORLEANS PARA MOSTRAR SOLIDARIDAD NACIONAL CON ALIADOS, A LA ESPERA DEL DESTINO DE DACA EN LA CORTE DEL QUINTO CIRCUITO NUEVA ORLEANS  — Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) se unió a inmigrantes, defensores y aliados en Nueva Orleans para manifestar solidaridad mientras esperamos la decisión crítica de la Corte del Quinto Circuito sobre el futuro del programa de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA). El fallo pendiente podría determinar el destino de cientos de miles de inmigrantes que llegaron a EE. UU. siendo niños, colocando sus futuros en un limbo una vez más. Desde su creación, DACA ha proporcionado protección temporal a sus beneficiarios, permitiéndoles trabajar, vivir y contribuir a sus comunidades sin el constante temor de ser deportados. Sin embargo, el programa y sus beneficiarios han permanecido vulnerables a desafíos políticos y legales, con sus vidas y futuros sujetos a la incertidumbre. Este momento es un punto de inflexión para los beneficiarios de DACA, sus familias y la comunidad inmigrante en su conjunto. En Arizona, LUCHA ha estado en primera línea en la lucha por la justicia inmigrante. Desde desafiar leyes perjudiciales como la SB1070, que permitía el perfil racial, hasta confrontar medidas recientes como la Proposición 314 que amenazan con criminalizar a las comunidades inmigrantes, conocemos muy bien el impacto de la política impulsada por el miedo. Mientras esperamos la decisión de la corte, permanecemos vigilantes y preparados para luchar, sin importar el resultado. “Nuestras comunidades inmigrantes no pueden seguir viviendo en el limbo”, dijo Karime Rodríguez, Directora de Servicios de LUCHA. “Mientras esperamos la decisión de la corte, instamos al Congreso, a la administración Biden-Harris y a los futuros líderes a actuar de inmediato para proporcionar protecciones permanentes y un camino hacia la ciudadanía para todos los inmigrantes indocumentados. DACA siempre fue concebido como una solución temporal. Ahora es el momento de una reforma real y duradera.” La presencia de LUCHA en Nueva Orleans simboliza nuestro compromiso de estar con aliados y defensores en todo el país, listos para actuar según el fallo de la corte. Sabemos que esta decisión podría tener consecuencias de gran alcance, no solo para los beneficiarios de DACA, sino para todos los inmigrantes en este país. Este es un momento crucial, y la necesidad de una reforma migratoria integral nunca ha sido tan urgente. Mientras esperamos el fallo de la corte, LUCHA se mantiene firme en nuestra misión de luchar por la dignidad, seguridad y justicia para todos los inmigrantes. La incertidumbre debe terminar; nuestras comunidades merecen algo mejor, y continuaremos luchando hasta que estén protegidas. Acerca de LUCHA Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) es una organización de base dedicada a lograr justicia social, económica y racial para las comunidades trabajadoras en Arizona. LUCHA trabaja a través de la defensa, la organización y el poder electoral para lograr un cambio sistémico y asegurar un futuro donde todas las personas, independientemente de su estatus, puedan vivir con dignidad. ###

Arizona’s Latino Voters Poised to Shape 2024 Presidential Election in Key Battleground State FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 10, 2024 Contact: press@luchaaz.org   PHOENIX, AZ —   Today, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), in partnership with Data For Social Good,  released the findings of a comprehensive study which, for the first time , analyzes segments or values clusters within the Latino community in Arizona that goes deeper than typical demographics. This is t he largest survey of Latino voters ever conducted in Arizona and offers critical insights into the political attitudes, priorities, and civic engagement of the state's Latino electorate ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Alejandra Gomez, Living United for Change in Arizona:  “ There is a narrative that Latino voters are a monolith and that we are trending conservative. The research shows that's not true. Candidates need to earn our votes and show how they will make life better for us. Showing up at the last minute with a Mariachi band is not going to cut it." Recording of the briefing:   Latino Values Briefing Recording 10:10.mp4 Executive Summary: Latinos Rising: Redefining Power, Inside Arizona’s Most Comprehensive Voter Study in Decades Key data points include : For the first time, cluster analysis  has revealed distinct voter personas within Arizona’s Latino electorate, ranging from highly engaged voters to those feeling politically alienated. These personas offer campaigns and organizers new insights into how to mobilize this diverse group effectively. 90% of Latino voters are absolutely certain to vote in the 2024 election , signaling a powerful turnout in this key battleground state. Latino voters overwhelmingly identified economic security, healthcare access, and affordable housing  as their top concerns, with 79.7% believing that voting is the most effective way to create meaningful change. The research underscores the transformative power of Latino voters in shaping Arizona’s political landscape and highlights the need for campaigns and political leaders to engage with this community in culturally relevant and meaningful ways. The cluster analysis, in particular, is a groundbreaking element that goes beyond traditional demographic studies, offering a deeper understanding of the unique motivations and barriers influencing different segments of the Latino electorate. LUCHA and ACE are already using these findings  to inform their on-the-ground organizing efforts, training canvassers who are engaging nearly 900,000 eligible Latino voters across the state. Their outreach focuses on building a sense of community among Latino voters and addressing the specific concerns identified in the data. Event Highlights: The briefing featured:        Speaker Bios - Latino Values Briefing Lisa Bedolla , Co-Founder of Data For Social Good, who shared insights into the cluster analysis and the survey’s methodology. Alejandra Gomez , Executive Director of LUCHA & ACE, who discussed how LUCHA is using this data to drive organizing efforts in Latino communities. Jayden De La Rosa , who spoke to the personal impact of this election and how the data reflects the lived realities of many Latino families. Why This Matters: Latino voters are poised to play a decisive role in the 2024 election, with their participation likely to shape the outcomes of key races across the state. Understanding their concerns and motivations is crucial for political candidates, policymakers, and advocacy organizations as they strategize for November. To request more information or schedule interviews , please contact: Cesar Fierros, 602-921-4923, cesarf@luchaaz.org   About Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) LUCHA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering working families in Arizona through grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and advocacy. We fight for policies that create a just and equitable Arizona for all. About the Arizona Center for Empowerment (ACE) ACE is a 501 (c)3 member-led social justice organization that develops and mobilizes undocumented working youth and adults, students, and LGBTQ individuals to strategically take ownership and responsibility to advance economic, social, and racial justice. By building power through leadership development, Citizenship, civic engagement, advocacy and education. About Data For Social Good Data For Social Good is a leading research firm that uses data analytics to drive social change by providing insights into the political behaviors and needs of diverse communities across the United States.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2024 Contact : press@luchaaz.org PHOENIX–  Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) knocked on over 630,000 doors to elect LUCHA Blue candidates. This unprecedented work paid off in major victories, with successes on Prop 139, key wins in the Arizona State Legislature, and promising momentum in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.  Latino voters across Arizona and the nation turned out based on pocketbook issues like the economy and housing affordability—priorities also confirmed in our Rising Latino Values Clusters data . This data underscored that Latino voters prioritize issues impacting their everyday lives and the future of their families. Our outreach and tailored messaging resulted in major Latino support for Harris over Trump, with exit poll data showing Latinos in Arizona favored Democrats 55% to 42% . Notably, Latino men also bucked the national trend, voting Democratic by a 55%-41% margin, demonstrating the effectiveness of LUCHA’s targeted efforts in Arizona.  Despite ongoing national trends, our work proves that when we reach Latino voters authentically and build trust, they respond by championing leaders who align with their values like Ruben Gallego who is on the verge of victory! While LUCHA takes some time to process the results, the work did not end on election night, it will continue, our resolve remains strong, and our belief in democracy does not waver with a single result. "We are proud of the unprecedented work LUCHA led to make our democracy more accessible and mobilize our communities to the polls to make their voices heard. This is a call to action for all who grieve and believe in justice and equality! Trump’s presidency has always been defined by division, cruelty, and fear—a vision aligned with billionaires, not working-class communities,” said LUCHA Executive Director Alejandra Gomez.  "Our communities have faced attacks like these before, and we’re not backing down. LUCHA will keep fighting for immigrant families, economic justice, and the freedoms that Trump’s administration seeks to strip away. Our belief in democracy does not waver with a single result. Trump’s victory represents an existential threat to our democracy, freedoms, and communities—but we will not back down. While our community regroups and reflects on these results, LUCHA is ready to keep fighting against Trump’s dangerous agenda. Our fight doesn’t end on election night; it continues with renewed resolve. His re-election endangers immigrant, Latino, and BIPOC communities across Arizona and the nation.” ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, November 8, 2024 Contact : press@unitedwedream.org   Black, brown, and immigrant communities are ready to protect each other from Prop 314. We are unafraid and here to stay! Phoenix, Arizona – Arizona polling has confirmed that Prop 314 -a statewide ballot measure crafted by MAGA extremists as part of Trump’s Project 2025- has officially passed. Proposition 314 is a dangerous and racist law intended to create a climate of fear among Black, brown, and immigrant communities who call Arizona home by giving local law enforcement the power to stop and harass anyone who they think looks like an immigrant.  Greisa Martinez Rosas , Executive Director of United We Dream Action, said:  “Our communities have been clear from the beginning: we are HERE TO STAY. There is no doubt that Prop 314 is intended to make us feel unsafe in the places we call home; it is intended to make our neighborhoods zones of harassment and intimidation, where our communities and our neighbors could be stopped, questioned, and deported. No matter what the circumstances are, our people refuse to be driven into the shadows. We are undeterred in our commitment to keep each other safe and know that if any of us were targeted, thousands would be more ready to fight for our liberation. At every turn, we will show up to protect our neighbors, our peers, our coworkers, and our loved ones against these threats to our safety and our lives. We belong; Arizona is our home and the power of our communities will never be broken.” Alejandra Gomez , Executive Director of Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), on Prop 314 Passing: “We knew this would be an uphill battle. The passage of Prop 314 is a dark moment for Arizona—a direct threat to the safety, unity, and dignity of our communities. This dangerous law will bring racial profiling, family separations, and a climate of fear targeting Arizona’s Latino and immigrant families. Our communities, and our economy, will suffer. Immigrant-owned small businesses, a cornerstone of Arizona’s economy, could be crushed. And the law’s lack of funding means Arizona taxpayers could be footing a $325 million bill every year. LUCHA and our partners are committed to mobilizing, working with legislative allies, and using the courts to counter the most devastating aspects of this proposition. We have faced attacks like this before, and we meet this one with unbreakable resolve to defeat Proposition 314.” ### United We Dream Action is the leading national network fighting for dignity and justice led by immigrant youth and allies. We are a dynamic community of thousands of immigrant youth nationwide who build independent political power for those directly impacted by injustice. We organize and take action to win victories so that all people can be safe and thrive. You can find more about United We Dream Action online at   www.unitedwedreamaction.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2025 Contact: press@luchaaz.org   PHOENIX — Last night, Rep. Juan Ciscomani voted for a House budget resolution that slashes Medicaid, food assistance, and other critical programs Arizonans rely on—all to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires while ignoring Arizona’s affordable housing crisis and underfunded public schools. Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) condemns this vote as part of a broader effort by Republicans, from Washington to Phoenix, to scapegoat immigrants through fear-based policies, all to distract from an economy rigged by billionaires in favor of billionaires .  “Instead of fixing our schools and healthcare, Republicans are pushing fear and blaming immigrant communities to mask the real crisis: a rigged economy that only benefits billionaires,”  said Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA . “By voting for this budget, Rep. Ciscomani betrays working families and shows he’d rather cut Medicaid and defund our children’s education than stand up for working Arizonans who are being squeezed every day by rising costs and stagnant wages.” SCAPEGOATING IMMIGRANTS WHILE FAMILIES ARE SQUEEZED FOR EVERY CENT Defunding Public Goods : This budget resolution diverts attention toward fear-based anti-immigrant rhetoric, allowing lawmakers to avoid responsibility for defunding public schools and neglecting affordable housing. Medicaid Cuts Hit Families Hard : Nearly 2.3 million Arizonans rely on Medicaid, including 752,000 children and 191,000 seniors. Cutting these services leaves families with impossible choices—pay for medical care or pay the rent. Ignoring the Affordable Housing Crisis : With rents skyrocketing statewide, Arizonans need real investment in housing support. Instead, this budget fails to address rising costs, pushing more families into precarious living situations. Skyrocketing Costs, Stagnant Wages : Rather than help families hit by soaring grocery and gas prices, this budget channels resources away from programs that could stabilize household finances—allowing big corporations and billionaires to keep rigging the economy. FEAR AS A SMOKESCREEN FROM A RIGGED ECONOMY Republican leaders have ramped up anti-immigrant policies—such as mass deportations and racial profiling—to distract from the fact that this economy is benefiting a privileged few, the well-connected, and billionaires at the expense of everyday working families. By blaming immigrants for economic hardships, politicians like Rep. Ciscomani maliciously distract attention away from the real issue: a system designed to enrich billionaires while working people struggle to afford the basics to survive.  “Every dollar spent scapegoating immigrant communities is a dollar stolen from our schools, our hospitals, and the housing our neighbors desperately need,”  added Gomez. “This vote tells us exactly where Rep. Ciscomani stands: with the wealthiest donors instead of the working families of Arizona.” CALL FOR REAL SOLUTIONS LUCHA believes that creating a fair economy requires fully funded public schools , accessible healthcare , and strong investments in affordable housing —not fear-based scapegoating that leaves families without the resources they need. We call on all Arizonans to reject this irresponsible budget and demand that lawmakers focus on policies that uplift, rather than marginalize, our communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2025 Contact: press@luchaaz.org PHOENIX — Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) commends Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing SB 1610, a deeply harmful bill that would have been one of the most dangerous assaults on civil liberties in recent memory. “SB 1610 was a Trojan Horse- disguised as public safety, but designed to smuggle authoritarianism into Arizona law,” said Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA. “By vetoing this bill, Governor Hobbs protected not just immigrants, but every Arizonana from being swept into a surveillance and detention system that trades our constitutional rights for unchecked government abuse.” SB 1610 would have accelerated harmful collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, putting even U.S. citizens and legal residents at risk of being swept into a system that has a documented history of wrongful detention and abuse. LUCHA celebrates this veto as a stand against racial profiling, family separation, and mass surveillance of Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. “The Republican-led Legislature remains determined to further MAGA Republicans' unconstitutional power grab and their Project 2025 agenda. This veto reaffirms that Arizona will not be used to carry out a deportation agenda that punishes people for existing while Black or Brown,” Gomez added. “We thank Governor Hobbs for choosing civil rights over fear, and community safety over cruelty.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2025 Contact: press@luchaaz.org PHOENIX — The proposed FY2026 Arizona State Budget includes several hard-won investments and is proof that community organizing and advocacy work. LUCHA spent countless hours at the capitol advocating with lawmakers for the priorities of Arizonans and pushing lawmakers to do more to address the needs of communities from across the state. However, this budget also makes clear that too many lawmakers still treat this moment of crisis as “politics-as-usual”, while working Arizonans fight to keep a roof over their heads Republican lawmakers have one overriding priority: to systematically defund government and dismantle public institutions so many working families depend on. “Families are struggling with rising costs, displacement, and healthcare gaps. This budget preserves critical programs, but also maintains the machine of family separation,” said Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA. “We celebrate the wins our communities delivered. But there is a crisis of conviction at the state legislature: Some Democrats have not shown the will to fight for our community. Unless we build the political will to take on the bigger fights for a new vision, we’ll keep conceding the future our communities deserve. That fight also means defeating Republicans at the ballot box and removing their grip on governing power. Until then, Arizona will never have a people’s budget.” As some leaders have acknowledged, the unwillingness to confront Republican tax handouts for the ultra-rich comes at a cost to every Arizona family and stands in the way of a fully funded People First Budget. “This body in the most important ways refuses to directly address the very issues that impact our ability to adequately invest in the state’s needs as a whole, whether it is in education, housing affordability, healthcare, or more.” said Senate Democratic Minority Leader Priya Sunderashen. “As the time changes and our decision-making practices don't, we consistently fail to create a state where all people can thrive … Every year that we find ourselves being forced to cut back services, our voters can be confident in knowing that Republicans have not left the rich out to dry the way they are for the working class.” Key Investments Secured This Session K-12 Education: At least $69.4M in new state dollars for K-12 education Housing: $26M for rental/cost of living assistance for Arizonans facing eviction, transitional housing for Arizonans experiencing homelessness, legal aid, and targeted programs for seniors and veterans. Higher Education: $16.3M for the Arizona Promise Program and the creation of Arizona’s first Community College Promise Program School Meals for Students: $3.8M to eliminate cost of school lunch for low income students Child Care: $47.9M invested in childcare assistance, cutting the childcare wait list by 50% Healthcare: Protected funding for Arizona’s affordable healthcare coverage through AHCCCCs, Arizona’s Medicaid program Social Safety Net: Protected funding for vital social safety net programs being slashed at the federal level like food assistance Environment: Allocated $9 million for water quality, $2 million for smelter cleanup, and $1 million for the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund We Defeated Blocked new proposals to expand state funding that would supercharge Donald Trump’s mass family separation agenda. (But existing funding remains in place). LUCHA is committed to fighting for an Arizona where budgets centers working families and where every person, no matter their status or income, can thrive.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2025 Contact: press@luchaaz.org PHOENIX, AZ — Following the historic primary victory of Adelita Grijalva, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) released preliminary findings from its post-election analysis, revealing the measurable and strategic impact of its grassroots organizing efforts in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. In just two months, LUCHA: Knocked on over 26,000 doors across CD7 with a high contact rate of nearly 20 percent, reaching thousands of voters directly Invested more than $250,000 in paid field and community outreach Was the first organization to endorse, canvass, and invest in support of Adelita Grijalva Led a broader coalition that knocked on nearly 100K doors across Pima and Maricopa counties According to early precinct-level data, voter turnout in Maricopa County precincts canvassed by LUCHA was 3.5 percent higher than in precincts that were not (25.0 percent vs. 21.5 percent). Additionally, Grijalva’s vote share was 2 percentage points higher in LUCHA-targeted precincts (53.3 percent vs. 51.3 percent). “This wasn’t luck. It was the result of disciplined organizing and a strategy rooted in community,” said Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA . “We bet on a candidate who has been in the fight for decades, and we met the moment by organizing voters no one else was talking to.” LUCHA’s program focused heavily on Maricopa County, where Latino voters were less likely to be contacted by campaigns, and where traditional political infrastructure often overlooks working-class communities, this includes voters with no primary election history. Organizers also canvassed underrepresented areas like Gila Bend, ensuring all communities had a voice in this special election. We knew Maricopa County was an area where Latino voters were less likely to be contacted by campaigns, and where traditional political infrastructure often overlooks working-class communities. “While national pundits misunderstood the dynamics of this race, we understood the stakes and the opportunity,” Gomez added . “This is what happens when you invest early, build coalition power, and have face-to-face conversations grounded in trust.” LUCHA will release a full report once individual voter data becomes available in the coming weeks. About LUCHA: Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) is a grassroots organization based in Phoenix and Tucson. We organize and advocate for social, racial, and economic justice with a deep commitment to building long-term political power in working-class communities across the state.

By Dillon Fuhrman, Skylar Heisey September 24, 2025 Lawmakers across the country are sharing their reaction to Adelita Grijalva winning the seat left vacant by her father, the late Congressman Raul Grijalva. Former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords posted to X saying, "Congratulations...on being elected as the next congresswoman for AZ-07 and the first Latina to represent Arizona in Washington, DC...In her, Tucsonans voted for a true public servant who has spent her career working to keep Arizonans safe. We're excited to partner with such a strong gun safety champion in the fight to save lives." Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), an non-profit organization in Arizona, also weighed in on Grijalva's victory. Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA, said in part, "Adelita's win is a turning point...She's not going to Congress to blend in. She's going to lead, to fight, and to remind the Democratic Party what it looks like to be grounded in people, not corporate donors." Other lawmakers also shared their reaction to her win: Read Original Article Here