Like JoAnna Mendoza in Arizona House Congressional District (CD) Six, Marlene Galan-Woods is starting her campaign to dislodge a Republican incumbent, in this case, David Schwiekert in CD One, close to two years before the 2026 elections.
Launching her campaign with a video announcement and two big name endorsements, Galan-Woods says she is the candidate Republicans feared the most when she ran for the nomination for the same seat in 2024.
Below are Galan-Woods’ remarks in her campaign launch video:
“I’m Marlene Galan Woods, we are living in extraordinary times. We have a President acting like a dictator… an unelected billionaire tearing down our government…and members of Congress, like David Schweikert, who are silent. Schweikert swore an oath to the Constitution. To represent us. Instead, he is bending the knee.”
“Sixty years ago, my parents risked everything to escape a dictatorship in Cuba and come to the United States of America for freedom and prosperity. My family and I are blessed because of their sacrifice. As a journalist committed to the truth. As a mom, grandmother, and a proud American, I cannot sit by and watch the dismantling of our country.”
“I cannot watch as this Administration makes us more unsafe here at home and abroad. We all have a duty to do something at this moment in history, and that’s why I’m running for Congress to represent Arizona’s First District. Arizonans believe in the Constitution. In the rule of law. We want checks and balances with no one person or party having too much power. A government that respects the will of the people and leaders who respect Law and Order.”
“Look. You can always count on me to tell you the truth. No matter how difficult or inconvenient, the truth is, Democrats must change too. We need to lead with new bold ideas. We must reform our government, strengthen the economy, and make it easier for hardworking people to not just get by, but to get ahead.”
“We also need to do something different to defeat David Schweikert this time around and you’re looking at her. When I ran in 24, Republicans came out after me because they know I can beat Schweikert. And if I’m the Democratic nominee in 26, I will do just that. Join our campaign at Marlene for congress.com, because Arizonans deserve better.”
In the press release launching her second campaign for the CD One seat, Galan-Woods highlighted two powerful endorsements. Former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and current Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
In her endorsement remarks, Governor Napolitano wrote:
“I am proud to endorse Marlene Galán-Woods for Arizona’s first congressional district. I know what it takes to win and govern in Arizona and Marlene is the only candidate who can flip this seat to get the real work done in Congress. From her time as a journalist to her work in our community, Marlene will be the dedicated public servant Arizona deserves.”
Arizona Attorney General Mayes offered:
“I’m thrilled to endorse my friend, Marlene Galán-Woods, for Arizona’s First Congressional District. Marlene has always put Arizonans first, as a journalist and a member of our community. At a time where there’s so much on the line, we need fighters in Congress and Marlene has the integrity and grit to protect our freedoms. She is the only candidate who can unseat Schweikert and help flip the House blue.”
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Excellent! Now let’s hope the Democrats can unite with one candidate without the embarrassment of that contested primary with all the nastiness and dirty tricks coming from one candidate in particular. Go Marlene!