Sun Lakes Democratic Club luncheon at Stone & Barrel featuring Dr. Raquel “Rockee” Armstrong and Kristie O’Brien as our speakers
Dwight Flatt
Charlene Fernandez, chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, will be the featured speaker at the Sun Lakes Democratic Club’s (SLDC) monthly meeting on Monday, March 9, at the Sun Lakes Country Club Navajo Room, 25601 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N., Sun Lakes. A social gathering begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.
Elected as state party chair in 2025, Fernandez will outline the Arizona Democratic Party’s strategy and priorities for the critical 2026 election cycle. A lifelong public servant, Fernandez has held leadership roles in congressional offices, served as Democratic Leader in the Arizona House of Representatives, and was appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Her appearance offers attendees a firsthand look at how the state party is preparing for upcoming statewide and federal races.
In addition to Fernandez’s remarks, the evening will feature several Democratic candidates and voter education advocates, including:
• Blake Bracht, candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Congressional District (CD) 5, who will discuss his campaign and reasons for seeking office;
• Mark Cable of Voter Choice Arizona, a non-partisan organization educating voters about ranked-choice voting and open primaries; and
• Dr. Racquel “Rockee” Armstrong, candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Arizona House in Legislative District (LD) 13, and Kristie O’Brien, candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Arizona Senate in LD 13, both running for the 2027–2028 legislative term.
Additional candidates from the 2026 primary and general election cycle are expected to attend, giving community members an opportunity to meet and speak with those seeking public office.
SLDC is made up of like-minded individuals who are part of more than 2,500 registered Democrats throughout the Sun Lakes area promoting an Arizona that works for everyone. In addition to the meeting on March 9, we also invite you to join us at 10 a.m. for our First Friday Coffee the first Friday of every month at Denny’s at 4977 S. Arizona Avenue in Chandler.
The Sun Lakes Democratic Club will also be collecting donations for Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. Contributions can be made at the meeting or online at matthewscrossing.org. Donations are dollar-for-dollar tax deductible, and receipts will be provided.
For more information, please contact Roxy Banta at 480-899-5696 or email moreinfosldc@gmail.com.