Arizona GOP Backs Trump for President, Vance for VP in Decisive Vote

By Staff Reporter |

On Tuesday, the Arizona Republican Party officially voted to endorse President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, marking a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.

The Arizona GOP emphasized the message conveyed by voters, stating, “With a decisive victory, Arizonans delivered a clear mandate: return to common sense, security, prosperity and liberty.” This victory signals a desire for change and a focus on foundational values.

Trump’s win in Arizona was notable, garnering over 52 percent of the total votes, which equated to more than 1.7 million ballots cast. His Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, received approximately 1.5 million votes, totaling around 46.7 percent.

Arizona’s status as a swing state played a crucial role in the election, contributing 11 electoral votes to the Republican tally. The shift from the 2020 election results underscores Trump’s comeback, as he successfully secured all seven battleground states, including Georgia and Pennsylvania.

The current election cycle saw Trump accumulate 312 electoral votes, a stark contrast to Harris’s 226. This outcome demonstrated that Trump not only recovered from his previous defeat but exceeded his 2016 performance as well.

However, not all local races mirrored this trend. Despite the statewide victory, Arizona’s congressional districts remained largely unchanged, with incumbents maintaining their seats. Yet, the Republican Party did expand its marginal control in the state legislature.

The state’s open Senate seat, previously held by independent Kyrsten Sinema, was won by Democrat Ruben Gallego, who led with 50 percent of the vote compared to Kari Lake’s 47 percent. This race reflects the ongoing competitive dynamics within Arizona politics.

Kari Lake’s journey in politics, however, continues as she has secured a position within the Trump administration, specifically as the director of the federally funded Voice of America (VOA).

In congressional races, incumbents Raúl Grijalva and Greg Stanton of the Democratic Party successfully defended their positions, while Republican representatives such as David Schweikert and Paul Gosar also held on against Democratic challengers.

Abe Hamadeh, a Republican candidate, successfully claimed the open District 8 seat left by Debbie Lesko, showcasing the ongoing shifts within the party’s local representation.

In the legislative arena, Republicans flipped a net total of three seats, improving their majority in both the state Senate and House. The Republican State Leadership Committee noted that despite significant spending by left-leaning groups, Arizona Republicans managed to outperform expectations.

Looking ahead, the inauguration of President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance is set for January 20, 2025, indicating a pivotal shift in leadership for Arizona and the nation.