Arizona Republicans Rally Behind Harris Amid Controversy

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Doug Coleman, a former city councilman and state lawmaker from Apache Junction, Arizona, has taken a bold step by placing a “Republicans for Harris” sign in his yard. Initially apprehensive about potential backlash from pro-Trump supporters in this predominantly Republican area, Coleman ultimately decided that making a statement was crucial.

“It’s too important to not say anything,” Coleman remarked, reflecting on the quieter support for Biden among Republicans in the previous election cycle.

He argues that claims of a stolen 2020 election lack credible evidence, dismissing them as mere allegations. “I want people to know we’re out here,” Coleman stated, hoping to embolden other Republicans who may share his views but are hesitant to express them publicly.

In the final stretch of the campaign, the Harris campaign aims to attract GOP and Republican-leaning independent voters in Arizona through groups like Republicans for Harris. With Biden winning the state by a narrow margin in 2020, every vote will be vital in this competitive race.

Recent polling indicates that Trump has gained momentum in Arizona, previously trailing Harris but now closing the gap. High Ground, a Phoenix consulting firm, shows Trump with a slight lead within the margin of error as of mid-October.

Researcher Paul Bentz notes that Republican enthusiasm outpaces that of Democrats, with early ballot returns leaning heavily toward GOP voters. Harris’s campaign strategy now relies on energizing younger Democratic voters and independents.

Attacks on Harris, according to Bentz, have made the race precarious. In a bid to solidify her base, the campaign has ramped up outreach to traditionally Democratic demographics, including Hispanic and Black voters.

Harris’s upcoming rally in Phoenix, featuring the popular Norteno band Los Tigres del Norte, is part of this outreach strategy. Prominent artists and public figures have joined her campaign to inspire greater voter turnout.

In contrast, Trump has also been active in Arizona, campaigning vigorously in battleground states. Both parties recognize Arizona’s significance, with strategies focused on key voter groups.

Biden has personally engaged with Native American communities, addressing historical injustices related to Indian boarding schools during a recent formal event in Arizona.

Harris faces additional challenges, including economic issues such as high inflation and immigration concerns, while the GOP looks to capitalize on these hot-button topics.

Moreover, reproductive rights have become a focal point in the election, especially following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Democratic initiatives aimed at restoring these rights may galvanize support for Harris.

The landscape of Arizona politics has shifted, with new groups like Republicans for Harris gaining traction. Co-chaired by Mesa Mayor John Giles and supported by former lawmakers, the movement signifies a notable shift within the GOP.

Despite the lack of organized efforts to counter this newfound support, Arizona GOP Chair Gina Swobota downplays its significance, focusing instead on broader issues affecting Arizonans.

As more Republicans, including former Senator Jeff Flake, publicly support Harris, dissent within the party becomes more visible. Flake encourages conservatives to prioritize the rule of law over party loyalty, asserting that supporting Harris reflects true conservative values.

For Coleman, supporting Harris is about preventing Trump from securing another term. He places less importance on specific policy disagreements, viewing the defense of democratic institutions as paramount.

Interestingly, Coleman’s sign has not gone unnoticed. Although some signs in his neighborhood were stolen, one neighbor has displayed a more substantial sign, demonstrating a shift in local political sentiments.

As the election nears, the outcome hinges on whether disenchanted Republicans can sway the state’s electoral votes towards Harris, showcasing the evolving dynamics of Arizona’s political landscape.