STUNNING VICTORY: TPUSA-Backed Candidate WINS Recall Election Against “Republicans for Harris” Leader

While the mainstream media was busy focusing on Democrats wins during Tuesday night’s elections, a quiet victory for a new wave of conservatives crept under the radar in Arizona.

In Mesa, Dorean Taylor — a conservative candidate who was backed by Charlie Kirk’s organization Turning Point USA — defeated incumbent Julie Spilsbury for City Council.

JUST IN: TPUSA-Backed Candidate 'Wins One for Charlie' — Gets Stunning Victory in Recall Election

"Because for the people who believed in him — who believed that America wasn’t finished — this wasn’t just another election. It was a resurrection." https://t.co/tGeJPDPhcG

— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) November 8, 2025

One of the biggest wins in America tonight, RECALLING the leader of “Republicans for Harris” Julie Spilsbury.

Congrats @taylorformesa! pic.twitter.com/QEBlaFwmSy

— Tyler Bowyer (@tylerbowyer) November 5, 2025

Dorean Taylor ran on an America-First, family-first platform.

Her campaign website detailed:

Better RoadsInvesting in better roads, eliminating traffic congestion, and reducing your commute times is a foundational responsibility of good government.  I will be a champion for ensuring our roads are better maintained and more of our city budget goes into this critically important function of government.

Safer CommunitiesKeeping Mesa families safe and our community vibrant is one of my very top priorities.  We need a community where we can live, work, and play without fear of crime, drugs, or vandalism.  As your voice on the City Council, I will always work to foster strong neighborhoods through active resident involvement & supportive local policies. Keeping Mesa neighborly is fundamental to keeping Mesa safe for generations to come.

End the Homelessness EpidemicThe tragedy of homelessness has continued to skyrocket right here in Mesa, impacting our streets and community spirit daily.  It’s time to implement the proven policies that will end this epidemic with compassion and respect for all — taxpayers, those struggling with homelessness, and local businesses alike — while fostering long-term solutions, support, and enhanced community outreach programs.

Lower Taxes, Smarter GovernmentEven as more functions of government go online and the rest of the economy is getting more efficient, the size of our city government grows bigger by the day. The number of city government employees, our taxes, our utility rates, and our fees continue to skyrocket each year.  We need smart, common sense, fiscally responsible leadership who respect our community members and work to reduce the cost of government, so that you can keep more of the fruits of your labor.

On the contrary, Julie Spilsbury betrayed her own constituents.

Spilsbury, who is a Republican (RINO), campaigned for Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election.

Her endorsement of Harris spurred Turning Point USA into action to unseat her.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

Julie Spilsbury campaigned for a Marxist for President.

Julie campaigned for Ruben Gallego, an adulterer who divorced his wife at 9 months pregnant.

Julie betrayed Mesa.

And tonight she said she'd do it all over again.

Good riddance. pic.twitter.com/iRlQIjzFcY

— Jake Hoffman (@JakeHoffmanAZ) November 5, 2025

Now, Dorean Taylor will see out Spilsbury’s term through 2028.

This is the first time since the ’90s that a member of Mesa’s City Council has been recalled.

More from KJZZ:

Mesa Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury was defeated Tuesday night in a recall election sparked by conservative activists with Turning Point USA.

Spilsbury conceded defeat in her head-to-head race to challenger Dorean Taylor, a fellow Republican backed by Turning Point activists who accused Spilsbury of not being conservative enough.

The loss marks an early end to Spilsbury’s second term on the nonpartisan Mesa City Council — she overwhelmingly won reelection in 2024.

But Turning Point swiftly gathered signatures to trigger the recall election, citing her endorsement of Democrat Kamala Harris in last year’s presidential race.

Spilsbury has defended her endorsement.

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“We do not serve a party; we serve the people of Mesa,” she said at a summer council meeting. “That’s how I’ve approached every vote, every decision and every congregation: with the goal of doing what’s right for our entire community regardless of political affiliation.”

Spilsbury’s opponents have also criticized several of her votes on the council — including decisions to raise utility rates, increase council members’ salaries and use a hotel for homeless housing.

But Spilsbury is the only council member that critics sought to recall — even though two of those votes were unanimous.

Spilsbury’s defeat is a flex by Turning Point in Arizona politics, as the movement spearheaded by the organization’s late founder, Charlie Kirk, has sought to expand its influence on local and national races.

The Conservative Brief provided a statement from Taylor on her election win:

Conservative activists successfully framed the race as a referendum on political loyalty. Taylor’s campaign, buoyed by Turning Point’s endorsement, emphasized “America First” themes, vowing to oppose corporate favoritism and restore what she called “integrity and accountability.”

Taylor said the victory was proof that voters are ready to “take back control” from entrenched political figures who have lost touch with their constituents.

“This was about standing up for the people of Mesa,” she said. “They wanted someone who listens, someone who doesn’t bow to D.C. or Phoenix elites.”

The election marks a significant win for Turning Point USA’s local organizing arm, which has focused on influencing school boards and municipal governments in swing regions across the country. Though the group’s influence waned after Kirk’s death, Tuesday’s results suggest its network remains a formidable force in Arizona politics. Political analysts said the recall underscores how national ideological divisions continue to seep into local elections once dominated by zoning issues and municipal budgets.

In response to her defeat, Spilsbury lost it.

She took aim at TPUSA, accusing them of lying and broke down in tears during a post-election interview.

Watch here:

'Why would anyone want to run?' TPUSA political wing initiated 'revenge recall' against Mesa AZ City Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury, Republican who backed Kamala Harris. Former TPUSA employee Dorean Taylor on way to victory in today's recall election. https://t.co/RwVcKNwbO6 pic.twitter.com/8l29YSQGqw

— Brahm Resnik (@brahmresnik) November 5, 2025

What a crybaby.

This is what happens when you go against the American people!

Good riddance and congrats to Dorean Taylor!