TL/DR –
The state of Arizona is being closely watched in the lead up to the 2024 presidential preference election, with analysts divided on whether it will vote for Joe Biden or Donald Trump. The New York Times recently suggested that Arizona’s shift away from being a secure Republican stronghold is due to migrants from California and the children of Latinos. However, political scientist and professor Samara Klar argues that despite having more Republican than Democratic voters, Republican candidates are not winning as expected, and the state tends to prefer moderate candidates over hyper-partisan ones.
Arizona’s Political Landscape in 2024 Election
Arizona is at the center of national attention, with analysts, reporters, and candidates keen to see whether the state will vote for Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Republican Senate candidates Kari Lake and Mark Lamb are contending fiercely, with potential voter shifts towards Ruben Gallego also in question.
The New York Times recently termed Arizona as a “political hothouse”. The shift from being a secure Republican stronghold is attributed to California migrants and the Latino population’s growing influence.
Arizona, a border state with many political fault lines, such as abortion, inflation, and immigration, has seen demographic changes transforming it into a contested political arena. However, Arizona’s preference for moderate candidates over hyper-partisan ones is a key factor to consider.
Despite higher Republican voter registration, the state’s recent election outcomes favor Democrats. Samara Klar, a University of Arizona political scientist, suggests this trend indicates Republican candidates are facing challenges.
The Gaggle’s Ron Hasen and Mary Jo Pitzl, along with Klar, delve into what makes Arizona a purple state, what motivates Arizona voters, and what strategies candidates should adopt to win over the state.
Listen to the Podcast
You can listen to The Gaggle on your preferred podcast app or stream the full episode below. Read the episode transcript here.
Follow The Gaggle on Twitter and Instagram for the latest political news and episodes. If you have questions about Arizona politics, contact us at thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com.
Past Gaggle Episodes
Catch up on previous episodes of The Gaggle to stay updated on Arizona’s political scene.
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