Leaders of the Arizona Democratic Party on Saturday voted to censure Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) after she blocked voting rights in the Senate.
“As a party, our job is to support our Democratic candidates, and we appreciate Senator Sinema’s leadership in passing the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Arizona state party chair Raquel Terán said in a statement. “However, we are also here to advocate for our constituents and the ramifications of failing to pass federal legislation that protects their right to vote are too large and far-reaching. While we take no pleasure in this announcement, the ADP Executive Board has decided to formally censure Senator Sinema as a result of her failure to do whatever it takes to ensure the health of our democracy.”
A censure has no political consequences but serves as a condemnation for Sinema who helped to keep the senate filibuster intact thus allowing Republicans to block the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
All 50 Senate Republicans, Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) voted against a proposal brought by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to require Republicans to maintain a talking filibuster in order to block the passage of the voting rights bill.
“During three terms in the U.S. House, and now in the Senate, Kyrsten has always promised Arizonans she would be an independent voice for the state — not for either political party,” Sinema’s spokesperson Hannah Hurley said in response to the censure. “She’s delivered for Arizonans and has always been honest about where she stands.”
Sinema is not up for reelection until 2024, but she could face serious primary challengers. Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.) who has criticized Sinema for not supporting the voting rights legislation, hasn’t ruled out launching a challenge against her.
