1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I’m writing to ask you to carry a clear message to Democratic Party leadership: We need competitive primaries in 2028, with a broad field of candidates and a genuine opportunity for voters to shape the party’s future. In my view, the party’s failures and missteps in 2024 helped pave the way for Trump’s second term. If Democratic leaders do not learn from that experience, I fear they will repeat those mistakes, with consequences the country cannot afford. That means welcoming an open presidential primary, not clearing the field for a preferred candidate. It also means accepting meaningful primary challenges to incumbent members of Congress. Holding office should not entitle anyone to protection from competition, and party leadership should not treat voters’ choices as a threat. If an incumbent’s priority is keeping a safe seat rather than earning the public’s support, that person is not providing the representation we need. We deserve candidates who listen, make a compelling case for their policies, and earn our votes, not candidates whose principal advantage is that party leaders have discouraged anyone from challenging them. Please urge Democratic leadership to welcome debate, give a broad range of candidates a fair opportunity to compete, and trust voters to make the final choice. A party that asks us to defend democracy must practice it within its own ranks.