Kamala’s Arizona Rally: Meadows Voters Embrace Unity Message for Maricopa

Dancing norteñas at a major political rally certainly wasn’t on anyone’s 2024 election bingo card. Yet, amidst the lively atmosphere, Vice President Kamala Harris held a pivotal campaign stop in Phoenix, Arizona, just days before Election Day.

On October 31, Harris spoke at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater, capping a day that took her from Wisconsin to Nevada. The rally attracted around 8,100 attendees, featuring performances by the Grammy-awarded norteño group Los Tigres del Norte, who encouraged the crowd to participate in the upcoming election.

Among the enthusiastic crowd were Maricopa residents Venyse Hicklin and her mother, Kat Young. Hicklin, a lifelong Democrat, frequently attends local political rallies, aiming to support a candidate who resonates with her values. For her, that candidate is Harris.

“I’m excited overall and I’m looking forward to hearing her message,” Hicklin stated before the rally. She emphasized a desire for a shift away from Trump’s divisive presidency and highlighted issues such as reproductive rights, unity, and international alliances as key concerns.

Harris echoed these sentiments during her address. A lineup of high-ranking Arizona Democrats, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Gov. Katie Hobbs, also took the stage. Each speaker stressed the importance of voting while contrasting their platform with that of Trump.

Hicklin’s rally experience was somewhat unique. She had attended another rally years ago for Hillary Clinton, but Young, a New Zealand immigrant of 37 years, described this as her first political rally. “Just witnessing the power behind everyone’s words was inspiring,” said Young, reflecting on the unity expressed at the event.

The rally emphasized not just policy, but the overarching theme of unity that Harris and Democrats aimed to convey. Hicklin revealed she didn’t expect any groundbreaking policy revelations, but was there to support the message of coming together. “It’s been everyone against everyone, and it’s time to stop that,” she asserted, alluding to a collective need for progress.

On the opposite side of the political spectrum, Jeff Northrup, a local activist known for anti-Trump demonstrations, had planned to attend but encountered legal trouble earlier that day. Instead, he chose to counter-protest at an event featuring Tucker Carlson, where Trump was the keynote speaker. Current polls show Trump narrowly leading in Arizona, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming election.