System End: Closing the Campaign
To my supporters, volunteers, and neighbors,
I’m writing to share a final update on our run for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. Recently, I went to the Secretary of State’s office to formally turn in my paperwork and the signatures we gathered. I wanted to create an official accounting of the end of our campaign.
The filing office was unable to accept the paperwork because our final signature count was below the 1,525 threshold required by law. This means my name will not be appearing on the primary ballot this July.
I believe in being direct with the people who supported this vision. When we launched, we knew the math was difficult. A shortened filing window mid-cycle meant we lost weeks of critical signature gathering—a massive hurdle for any grassroots effort.
However, I also believe in taking ownership. I apologize that I was not able to give this campaign the energy it needed to meet this milestone. Balancing my career and my responsibilities as a father here in Phoenix with the demands of a Congressional run was a significant undertaking, and in the end, I hit a limit.
While I did not qualify for the ballot, our campaign’s primary goal remains very much alive: to flip AZ-CD1 blue. I urge you to vote in the primary, and I implore you to support the Democratic candidate who wins that contest, just as I will. The Republican administration’s rampant corruption, arrogance, and ignorance must be replaced with a government that is truly for, by, and of the people. Our district deserves an upgrade from the systemic failures and self-interest of the current leadership.
Fulfilling the Promise
One of the core pillars of this campaign was total transparency. I made a promise that if I did not make the ballot, our resources would go to the person who does. I am keeping that word.
Our campaign accounts are moving to a "Read-Only" holding state. Once the primary is certified, and after all campaign debts and obligations are settled and as permitted by law, I will execute a full transfer of our remaining resources to the nominee to ensure we flip this seat.
Thank you for standing with me. It has been an honor to be your candidate. Let’s stay focused on the work ahead to give our community the representation it deserves.
God Bless America, and God Bless our troops.
Daniel Lucio Software Engineer | Dad | Former 2026 AZ-01 Candidate
The Mission Continues…