GOP Coalition Targets Arizona Republicans to Rally Behind Harris Against Trump

A coalition of anti-Trump Republicans is making a significant investment in Arizona as the election approaches, seeking to sway Republican voters toward Vice President Kamala Harris. The organization, Republican Voters Against Trump, has unveiled a $2.4 million campaign in the state, part of a broader $15 million initiative targeting battleground states.

The campaign features impactful billboards and television ads showcasing former Trump supporters who are now endorsing Harris, the Democratic contender. The billboards display local voters proclaiming, “I’m a former Trump voter. I’m voting for Harris,” notably aiming to resonate with undecided Republicans.

The television advertisements consist of a series of short testimonials, ranging from 15 to 30 seconds, where voters directly articulate their change of heart regarding Trump, emphasizing their support for Harris.

Sarah Longwell, executive director of Republican Voters Against Trump, highlighted the urgency of the campaign. “Many swing voters are going to be making up their minds in the coming weeks, and it’s critical that we let them know what’s at stake,” she stated. Longwell underscored that right-leaning swing voters can reject Trump while maintaining their conservative values, expressing the organization’s aim to create a supportive environment for voters “to do the right thing.”

Arizona is widely regarded as a pivotal state in the upcoming presidential race. Recent polling data indicates a shifting landscape, with Trump currently leading Harris by a narrow margin of one percentage point, as reported by FiveThirtyEight. Trump’s resurgence may alter the dynamics of the race, particularly after Harris replaced President Joe Biden, who withdrew from the campaign following a poor debate performance.

To secure a victory in Arizona and other critical states, Harris will need to garner support from dissatisfied Republicans. This approach proved effective for Democrats in 2022, as they triumphed in various statewide elections, including key positions such as governor and U.S. Senate. Historical trends also show the importance of Arizona, where Biden’s 2020 victory was by a mere 11,000 votes, securing the state’s 11 electoral votes.