Democrats Jevin Hodge, Adam Metzendorf spar over Rep. David Schweikert, readiness for office

With scarcely any disagreement between them, two Democrats hoping to replace Republican Rep. David Schweikert cast their contest as an opportunity to unite voters behind a Congress member they promised would be more responsive.

Jevin Hodge and Adam Metzendorf traded insults on Wednesday about Schweikert, R-Ariz., a six-term incumbent, and both touted their business records as proof of their readiness for Congress.

But neither offered significant legislative priorities or personal differences for viewers of the Arizona PBS (Channel 8) debate to weigh in a contest to represent the northeast Valley.

Instead, they focused on Schweikert, whom the House of Representatives tagged in 2020 with 11 ethics violations largely over rampant misspending and a $50,000 fine.

Hodge called Schweikert "slimy," while Metzendorf cast him as out of step with a district that hates "extremism."

Hodge played up his management of a Head Start center in Phoenix and said his upbringing in a single-parent family gives him insight into what the public needs.

"We didn't have a car until I was in high school. I grew up in affordable housing," he said. "When we want to tackle issues like education, you need someone who's been doing it, who's been involved and who gets the job done."

Metzendorf played up his work as director of membership experience for the Phoenix Suns, the Phoenix Mercury and the Arizona Rattlers, especially during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We retained 96% of our member base," he said, noting it came at a time when many criticized the teams for wanting to hold public events during a health crisis and, later, taking up the cause of social justice. "People asked for a refund because it said 'Black Lives Matter' on the court. I have the unique ability to ... bring people forward with us."    

Both Democrats generally agreed the new district, redrawn earlier this year, is more friendly to their party. The district tips slightly Republican by voter registration.

The nominee will face the winner of a contested Republican primary.

Schweikert faces a rare primary challenge from Republicans Josh Barnett and Elijah Norton.

The district is anchored in the northeast Valley, but stretches farther into north-central Phoenix and farther south into Tempe, making it far more competitive on paper than Schweikert's GOP-leaning district for the past decade.

Even so, Democrats historically struggle to match Republican turnout in midterm elections, and polling has suggested GOP voters are more enthusiastic about voting this year.

The primary is Aug. 2, with early voting getting underway about a month before that.

Reach the reporter Ronald J. Hansen at ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4493. Follow him on Twitter @ronaldjhansen.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Subscribe to our free political podcast, The Gaggle.