Harris-Walz Protesters Make Bold Move into GOP Stronghold in Maricopa

On October 5, 2024, over 80 supporters of the Harris-Walz campaign gathered at the busy intersection of John Wayne Parkway and Smith-Enke Road. This event marked a significant moment exactly one month before the presidential election, as the space, often dominated by Trump supporters, saw a shift in momentum.

Traffic slowed near the intersection, primarily due to ongoing construction. Motorists were unintentionally drawn into the scene, witnessing the clash of political symbols firsthand.

In the early hours, Trump supporters from the Maricopa Republican Club set up camp on the northeast corner. Armed with flags and signs, they remained until around 9:30 a.m. However, their departure came before reporters could capture their sentiments.

Independent counter-protester Jeff Northrup made his presence known with anti-Trump signs and a piñata shaped like the former president, adding a touch of humor to the tense atmosphere.

For the first time, Harris supporters convened on the southwest corner at 9 a.m. Organizer Lisa Brauch noted the group aimed to demonstrate strength in a community she feels leans heavily Republican. “Maricopa might be a little more red,” she admitted.

As attendees flaunted pro-Harris and anti-Trump paraphernalia, one individual humorously dressed as a poodle, referencing a controversial remark made during a presidential debate.

The demonstration received a mix of supportive honks and negative reactions, illustrating the charged political landscape. Brauch revealed her awakening to other Harris-Walz supporters when yard signs she distributed began to disappear.

“Arizona is such an important battleground state,” Brauch stressed. She expressed relief at discovering allies in her politically diverse neighborhood.

The gathering’s primary aim was to reassure fellow Democrats that they were not isolated in Maricopa, hoping to encourage undecided voters to make their voices heard. “I got to think we’re making a difference,” Brauch said.

Reasons for the early departure of Trump supporters remained unclear. One lone Trump supporter, identified only as Cindy J., expressed that the Harris demonstration would not alter her voting decision.

Sporting a red “Make America Great Again” hat, Cindy shared how she was invited to the demonstration by a fellow GOP member. Engaging in conversation, she observed the shift of the street corner that had traditionally belonged to the Maricopa Republican Club.

In a philosophical moment, she likened American politics to a grandfather clock: “Society and the government, it’s like a pendulum, because if it goes a little bit to the left, and a little bit to the right, the clock works properly. But if it goes too far either way, it crashes into a million pieces.”