Preparing for the Democratic Primary with a well-attended candidate petition signing event at Sisk Park on Feb. 15 (photo by Roxy Banta)
Dwight Flatt
Voters will have an opportunity to meet several candidates running in the 2026 elections at the next meeting of the Sun Lakes Democratic Club on Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in the Navajo Room at Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N.
Featured speakers will include Angel Encinas, candidate for re-election to the Chandler City Council. Encinas currently serves as Chandler’s Vice Mayor and was first elected to the Council in 2022. A Chandler native, he operates an immigration consulting business in the city.
Also speaking will be Zeyna Pruzhanovsky, a candidate for the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board. Pruzhanovsky previously ran in 2024 and will be seeking a seat in this election. She currently teaches in the Gila River Indian Community and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a graduate degree from Arizona State University.
Candidates Dr. Racquel “Rockee” Armstrong and Kristie O’Brien will also be present. Armstrong is running for the Democratic nomination for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 13, while O’Brien is seeking the Democratic nomination for the Arizona Senate in District 13. Both are campaigning to represent the district during the 2027–28 legislative term.
The program will also include an update on voter registration deadlines and key dates leading up to the July 21, 2026, primary election. Attendees will learn how to ensure they are properly registered to vote and how recent legislative efforts affecting citizen ballot initiatives may impact Arizona voters. Volunteers will be collecting signatures for the Healthcare Rising petition effort.
Additional Democratic candidates running in the 2026 primary and general elections may make brief appearances, giving attendees the chance to meet candidates in person and ask questions.
The Sun Lakes Democratic Club represents more than 2,500 registered Democrats in Sun Lakes and advocates for policies that support a thriving and inclusive Arizona.
Club members and interested residents are also invited to attend the club’s First Friday Coffee, held at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of each month at Denny’s, 4977 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler. The informal gathering offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded neighbors and discuss current issues.
The club proudly supports Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted at the meeting, and online contributions may also be made. Donors can request a receipt for the dollar-for-dollar Arizona charitable tax credit.
For more information, call Roxy Banta at 480-899-5696 or email moreinfosldc@gmail.com.