Vice President Kamala Harris and her new running mate are scheduled to hold a rally in Arizona on Friday as they tour crucial electoral battlegrounds. The decision to pass over Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and gun control advocate, as a running mate in favor of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has sparked some reactions. Gonzalo Leyva, a landscaper in Phoenix, expressed his preference for a Harris-Kelly ticket, indicating the potential sway Kelly could have had over voters like him.
Arizona, a state known for close election races, is gearing up for another tight competition this year as both parties prepare for a closely contested outcome, similar to the 2020 election. Despite not choosing Kelly, Democrats are confident in Harris’ standing in the state. Harris is expected to have strong support, with mentions of possible Cabinet positions or other significant roles should she rise to the presidency.
Democratic strategists in Arizona are reporting a high level of enthusiasm for Harris and Walz, comparable to the excitement prompted by former President Barack Obama’s initial presidential campaign. Walz, who embodies a more relatable persona for some residents, is still perceived positively by voters like Scott Snyder, who appreciates his down-to-earth demeanor.
The political landscape in Arizona has shifted in recent years, with the state being reliably Republican until Donald Trump’s tenure and subsequent impact on the GOP. Educated, moderate Republicans have been increasingly moving towards the Democratic Party, evident in the 2018 and 2020 election victories for Democrats in Arizona.
The ongoing campaign in Arizona is focusing on familiar issues, notably the border with Mexico. Trump supporters are shifting their criticisms towards Harris over immigration policies, while Harris herself is reaching out to the state’s growing Latino population by highlighting her immigrant background and political success.
Harris and Walz are aiming to win over voters in Arizona, including retirees and younger demographics, by capitalizing on Harris’ background and their relatable campaign approach. The upcoming election in Arizona is poised to be closely watched, with both parties vying for a victory in this pivotal state.
