Former President Donald Trump held a rally at Arizona State University’s Mullet Arena, where he urged young adults and voters of all ages to cast their ballots as early returns in the state suggested an advantage for the Republicans. Data from Uplift Campaigns showed that Republicans had a 70,000 return advantage in Arizona. Young voters in the audience expressed their belief that voting in this election is crucial to “end this disaster.” A recent Marist poll indicated that Trump had 50% support among likely Gen Z and Millennial voters in Arizona, while Vice President Kamala Harris had 49%. Among voters under 35, Trump was backed by 53% compared to 46% for Harris, with Trump leading by 1 point overall in the poll.
Luke Mosiman, a national committeeman for Young Republicans, noted that many college students and recent graduates are looking at the economy and housing market and feeling let down by the current administration. He mentioned that this younger generation is recognizing that their future is at stake and are choosing to vote for President Trump. Republican Senate nominee Kari Lake also expressed gratitude towards Gen Z for their support. Politico reported on Arizona being a contentious state for the youth vote, with Trump holding a 1.5% lead over Vice President Harris in the state according to RealClearPolling. While Democrats are expected to win the overall youth vote, the share could be hampered by Trump’s campaigning efforts and disenchantment among some left-leaning voters regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In response to Trump’s rally, the Harris campaign organized a counter-programming event with the Vice President’s sister, Maya Harris, targeting ASU students and Generation Z voters. Additionally, former President Barack Obama had rallied on behalf of Vice President Harris at the University of Arizona in Tucson in the past week. Arizona’s Democratic coordinated campaign rapid response director, James Martin, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of preventing Trump from obtaining unchecked power and urging Arizona voters to prioritize the safety, security, and future of the country and democracy by backing Vice President Harris. The statement highlighted that a record number of Arizona Republicans and independents were choosing to put the country above partisan politics by supporting Harris.
The rally at Arizona State University’s Mullet Arena showcased Trump’s appeal to a diverse range of voters, particularly emphasizing his popularity among young voters and college students. The data from Uplift Campaigns indicating a significant return advantage for Republicans in Arizona underlines the potential impact of early voting in favor of the party. With Trump leading in the polls among likely Gen Z and Millennial voters, the event reflected Trump’s focus on engaging with and mobilizing young voters in key battleground states like Arizona. The competitive landscape of Arizona’s political scenario, particularly with regards to the youth vote, has drawn attention from both the Trump and Harris campaigns, as well as from prominent figures like former President Barack Obama, highlighting the significance of the state in the upcoming election.
Overall, the event at ASU served as a platform for Trump and his supporters to rally young adults and voters of all ages behind his campaign. Mosiman and Lake’s remarks underscored the perception among young voters that the future is at stake in this election, particularly in terms of economic concerns and potential policy changes. While Harris and her campaign sought to counter Trump’s appeal with targeted events and high-profile endorsements, Trump’s rhetoric and messaging seemed to resonate with a significant portion of the youth demographic in Arizona, potentially influencing the outcome of the election in the state. As the campaigns intensify their efforts to secure support from various voter groups, the focus on engaging with Gen Z and Millennial voters appears to be a key battleground in the race for Arizona’s electoral votes.
