(The Center Square) – Democrats running for Arizona Congressional District 7 do not agree with President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles.
Trump said the action is necessary to stop anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, but in a debate presented by the Arizona Media Association, candidates including Adelita Grijalva said the president was wrong to bring in the military when California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass did not ask.
“We’re causing an environment of fear,” said Grijalva, daughter of the late U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona, whose death in March led to the special election for this congressional seat.
Former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez called on Congress to do more.
“Congress is not exercising oversight of the president,” said Hernandez.
Patrick Harris Sr. condemned any violence in riots while adding Trump is a “showman” trying to divert media coverage away from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“Deploying the National Guard and Marines is an overreaction,” added Harris.
Deja Foxx, a Gen Z influencer who worked for the 2020 Kamala Harris Campaign, said what is playing out in Los Angeles is heartbreaking.
“Trump doesn’t care,” said Foxx. “Trump believes he is above political consequences.”
Jose Malvido Jr. said the people of Los Angeles are protesting because U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed up. Malvido Jr. then said deportations are about one thing: racism.
“Most of Los Angeles is brown,” said Malvido Jr. “We need comprehensive immigration reform.”
Later, when moderators asked about cuts to Medicaid in the Big Beautiful Bill, all five Democrats said it will be devastating for people, not only in Arizona, but across the nation.
“Health care is a human right,” said Foxx, who earlier in the night talked about relying on Planned Parenthood for care when she was younger.
Hernandez said this issue, for him, is personal.
“We sometimes did not have money when I was a kid,” said Hernandez. “If I get elected, I will say ‘no cuts to Medicaid.’”
Grijalva said government works best for people when it is not being dismantled from the inside, a reference to the Republican majorities in the U.S. House and Senate.
Malvido Jr. said he would push Medicare for All if elected.
Harris Sr. talked up his Cap The Cap plan, something he said will encourage billionaires to reinvest excess wealth into society and address wealth inequality.
On the issue of Trump’s tariff policies, the candidates said that too will have a negative impact on people, including those in CD7.
“You have to know what it’s like to live on the margins,” said Foxx.
Hernandez said tariffs are stupid.
“Prices will go up and jobs will be lost,” warned Hernandez.
Harris Sr. said Cap The Cap would do away with the need or reason for tariffs. Meanwhile, Malvido Jr. pushed for the corporate tax rate to go back up and for big businesses to “pay their fair share.”
Regarding the environment, the candidates agreed more should be done to protect people’s surroundings.
“Protecting our environment is important,” said Malvido Jr.
Hernandez made similar comments, adding it is important that leaders protect good-paying union jobs in the area. Still, Harris Sr. took issue with mining.
“A boulder hit my brother and disabled him,” said Harris Sr. “Mining can hurt families, people and the environment.”
Near the end of the debate, the moderators asked the five candidates about division in the party. Hernandez said one big problem of late is that Democrats are not focusing on the core issues.
“We are not talking about the things that really matter,” said Hernandez. “We need bold leaders and real solutions.”
Malvido Jr. said it is important that the party get rid of what he called “career politicians.” Meanwhile, Foxx said the Democratic Party should have younger people who are from the working class and focused on the working class.
“We have three vacancies because we failed to talk about age,” said Fox. “Let’s bring in a new generation.”
To watch a video recording of the Democratic debate, click here.
For the Republican debate that was held on Monday, click here.
The primary election will take place July 15, followed by the general election Sept. 23.
The Arizona Media Association’s general election debate is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 26.
