President-elect Trump has secured a victory in Arizona in the 2024 presidential election, avenging his loss in the crucial swing state in 2020. The race was called by the Associated Press, awarding Trump 11 more electoral votes and bringing his total to 312. His opponent, Vice President Harris, only garnered 226 electoral votes. Trump’s win in Arizona, along with victories in other swing states, effectively ended the battle for swing states in this election, solidifying his win.
In the 2020 election, President Biden won Arizona by a slim margin of less than one-half of 1%, with key areas like Maricopa County also experiencing close races. Before Biden’s win, Republicans had consistently carried the state since 1996. Immigration was a major issue for voters in Arizona, with many expressing a desire for swifter border control measures, including incarceration for those suspected of criminal activity. Harris had made multiple trips to the state, emphasizing Trump as a threat to democracy, a message that resonated with some voters.
Arizona has a higher percentage of Hispanic voters compared to the national average, and while they heavily favored Biden in the last election, there were signs of them shifting towards Trump leading up to the 2024 election. The state also saw a competitive race for a new senator, with Republican Kari Lake, a former TV news host, facing off against Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego, a former Marine. The outcomes of these races will have a significant impact on Arizona’s political landscape moving forward.
The issue of judges and the Supreme Court also played a role in shaping voter opinions in Arizona, with some expressing concerns about the rights of government agencies being eroded. Harris’ message resonated with some voters who expressed a desire to realign the balance of power and hold the rich accountable. The state’s unique demographics and political climate make it a key battleground for both parties, with each vying for control and influence in a state that has the potential to shape national politics.
Despite Biden’s previous win in the state, Trump’s victory in Arizona in 2024 solidified his support among voters and his ability to secure crucial swing states. The Republican Party’s success in Arizona, along with other key states, has reshaped the political landscape for the upcoming term. As Trump prepares to take office, he will face the challenges of governing in a deeply divided country, with Arizona serving as a microcosm of the larger political struggles facing the nation. The results of the 2024 election in Arizona will have far-reaching implications for the state and the country as a whole.
