By Reagan Priest | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Arizona Democratic Party members ousted Chair Robert Branscomb after months of controversy
- The meeting was long and disorganized, resulting in frustration from many party members
- A new chair will be elected at the party’s next meeting, though Branscomb can challenge his removal
Members of the Arizona Democratic Party voted to oust Chair Robert Branscomb during a chaotic July 16 special meeting.
Branscomb became chair in January after ousting incumbent Yolanda Bejarano at the party’s annual leadership elections. His short tenure in the position has been plagued by controversy, including a letter of no confidence from Arizona’s top Democrats, public disagreements with the party’s union and fundraising difficulties.
The total number of votes cast to remove Branscomb is unclear, with some state committee members voting via email due to technical difficulties. But 476 members voted for removal via the party’s preferred method of voting, clearing the two-thirds requirement for in the ADP’s bylaws.
“Today’s recall effort is rooted in misrepresentation, divisive tactics and does not reflect our democratic values,” Branscomb said at the meeting. “This effort is not about the strength of the party. It’s about distraction and dividing us at a time when unity is more important than ever.”
