Phoenix, AZ— The Young Democrats of Arizona stands in step with the College Democrats of Arizona in strongly condemning Representative Hernandez’ disillusionment with their endorsement questionnaire. 

Young people across this state spend countless hours organizing, phone banking, and fundraising for Democratic candidates, so we want to know that who we are campaigning for aligns with our values. Asking officials questions about the Genocide in Palestine,  their position on ICE and Immigration enforcement or funding for public schools, are not “gotcha” questions. These are questions and issues that young people, across the state— and the nation, care about. 

Recent polling from Tufts Circle shows that 49% of young voters (18-29) believe Israel is committing a Genocide in Palestine. Regardless of your position on this issue, elected officials are accountable to the people they represent. For those receiving endorsements from young dem organizations, it is impossible to forget that Gen Z and those born in the last 20 years have grown up embroiled in the Iraq and Afghanistan humanitarian crises and wars perpetuated by the United States. American service people as well as Iraqis and Afghanistan citizens have been killed— without purpose. We ask these questions, because no matter political affiliation, accountability to the people matters. 

Student organizations should not be publicly criticized for asking these important questions. All organizations that have endorsement opportunities, ask important questions. We know young people, those that our organizations serve, care about ending U.S intervention! We want less war. 

The Young Democrats of Arizona understands that the next generation of voters’ care about humanity and for global recognition of human rights. We want accountability. We want leaders who will fight for the people, not on behalf of Big Oil or AIPAC or any other number of Super PACs. Therefore, we strongly urge Representative Hernandez to reconsider her social media post and condemn her attack on the College Democrats of America chapter at the University of Arizona.

For Press inquiries please contact: 

Vice President of Communications: Paola Villegas

comms@ydaz.org