Arizona Turns Red: Trump Crushes Harris in Key Swing State
Former President Donald Trump delivered a decisive victory in Arizona, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris by over 187,000 votes. This marks a dramatic 18-point swing from 2020, when President Joe Biden narrowly won the state by 10,000 votes. The results suggest Arizona is shifting from a swing state to a Republican stronghold.
Republicans outperformed expectations statewide, with GOP candidates dominating up and down the ballot. Voter frustration over key issues, especially illegal immigration, played a major role. Arizona voters signaled dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s border policies, which have contributed to rising crime and strained public resources.
Trump’s win in Maricopa County, Arizona’s largest, highlights this shift. According to AZCentral, areas with large Hispanic populations in south and west Phoenix moved significantly toward Trump compared to 2020. The East Valley suburbs, which leaned Biden four years ago, swung decisively red. Trump won Gilbert by 16 points, Mesa by 12, and Scottsdale by 9. While Harris carried Phoenix with 57% of the vote, Trump’s strong suburban performance tipped the scales.
Border counties also leaned heavily Republican. Trump gained ground in all four counties bordering Mexico, where residents have voiced growing concerns about illegal immigration. Arizona Sheriff Mark Lamb has been outspoken in blaming the Biden administration’s policies for encouraging illegal crossings, fueling human trafficking, and empowering violent drug cartels. In testimony before Congress, Lamb said migrants told him directly, “Because Joe Biden said we could,” when asked why they crossed the border.
Illegal immigration remains a critical issue for Arizona voters. The flood of migrants has strained public resources like hospitals and schools while enriching criminal networks. Trump’s promise to secure the border resonated with voters seeking decisive action.
Arizona’s strong Republican turnout suggests the state is shifting away from its status as a battleground. Trump’s overwhelming win and GOP gains across the board point to a broader conservative resurgence ahead of 2024.
