In Tucson, Walz Urges Democrats: Seize the Momentum for One Final Push

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz embarked on a campaign swing through Arizona on Saturday, rallying support for Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the impending election. “We’ve got three days to make an impact,” Walz declared to an enthusiastic crowd. His message resonated: not just for the next four years, but for the next generation.

Approximately 2,000 attendees gathered at Tucson High Magnet School, where Walz shared the stage with prominent local leaders. The crowd saw performances from Mariachi Aztlan De Pueblo as they awaited Walz’s arrival. Among the notable figures in attendance were Verlon Jose, chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pima County Board of Supervisor Chair Adelita Grijalva, and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, among others.

This marks Walz’s second visit to Tucson in October alone, having spoken at Palo Verde Magnet High School earlier in the month. Meanwhile, Republican Senator JD Vance has also made multiple appearances in Southern Arizona, including a visit to the Tucson Speedway.

In a state where the presidential race remains tight, both parties have ramped up efforts to mobilize voters. Trump won Arizona in 2016 but lost it narrowly to President Joe Biden in 2020. Candidates across the spectrum have urged supporters to rally their friends and family to the polls to secure Arizona’s crucial electoral votes.

Walz’s speech echoed themes from his earlier remarks, criticizing Trump’s economic policies and character. “We have a golden opportunity here to turn the page on Donald Trump,” he asserted, framing the Republican Party as increasingly unrecognizable compared to past leaders like Senator John McCain.

He portrayed Democrats as champions of freedom, while mocking Trump’s self-proclaimed protector status for women. “He can’t even open the door of a garbage truck,” Walz quipped, highlighting the former president’s shortcomings.

Senior officials from Harris’s campaign expressed optimism, reporting a surge in undecided voters shifting toward their candidate, driven largely by negative comments from Trump’s surrogates. “Momentum is on our side, but we take nothing for granted,” Walz stated, emphasizing the importance of these final days before the election.

As polls suggest a competitive race, Pima County has set up 126 vote centers for Election Day, allowing voters the flexibility to cast ballots at any location. Voters are preparing for a lengthy ballot, which includes several key races including the presidential contest and various statewide propositions.

With over 525,000 early ballots requested in Pima County, the pace of voter engagement appears strong as more than 306,000 have already been returned. “When can you ever imagine having 75 hours to make an impact on the planet for generations to come?” Walz asked the crowd, energizing them as he urged them to take action at the polls and ensure their voices are heard.