Kamala Harris and Democrats Eye Suburban Strategy for Victory in AZ

In Arizona, Democrats have significantly increased their support among suburban voters since Donald Trump’s presidential victory in 2016. This shift has not only allowed them to reclaim the presidency in 2020 but also to exceed expectations in the 2018 and 2022 midterms.

Currently, the Harris-Walz campaign is strategically focused on gaining traction with suburban voters as part of its efforts to keep Trump from returning to office while securing Arizona’s electoral votes.

The campaign believes that white suburban voters have turned away from the Republican Party, contributing to Arizona’s evolving status as a competitive swing state. Vice President Kamala Harris aims to maintain this crucial voter base, particularly in Maricopa and Pima counties, to increase her chances of winning Arizona.

To mobilize these voters, the campaign is employing a mix of phone banking, door-to-door outreach, and statewide events. An event held on September 10 featured a presidential debate watch party in Phoenix, where actress Kate Walsh rallied local Democrats.

Walsh emphasized the stakes of the upcoming election, stating, “This literally is a life or death election.” She pointed to the ongoing issues of reproductive rights and gun violence as prime motivators for voter engagement.

Since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022, abortion rights have faced significant challenges in Arizona and beyond. Trump’s fluctuating stance on abortion reflects his attempts to balance the demands of anti-abortion activists with the concerns of women voters.

While he claims individual states ought to regulate abortion, many argue that extreme state laws jeopardize women’s health and access to care. In contrast, Harris has made reproductive rights a mainstay of her campaign, branding it a “winning issue.”

Walsh’s own experiences shape her advocacy. The daughter of an immigrant, she was financially supported by Planned Parenthood during her early adulthood and has spoken out about the importance of accessible healthcare for women.

She highlighted the detrimental impacts of student loan debt, recalling her own journey of paying off $40,000 after landing a prominent acting role. “To see what’s been happening with women’s health has been devastating to me,” she shared.

Walsh’s empathy extends to issues like common-sense gun legislation, where she engages with traditionally conservative voters by advocating for required background checks.

As the crowd reacted to the presidential debate, Walsh reminded attendees of the importance of grassroots advocacy. “I encourage you to tell all your friends to volunteer and lean in before this election,” she urged.

Recognizing the significance of local elections, Walsh stressed that down-ballot candidates affect community welfare directly. Meanwhile, the Harris campaign continues to engage suburban voters, focusing on their role in the Democrats’ recent electoral successes.

Although Trump won Arizona in 2016, he lost to Biden by 10,457 votes in 2020. With both chambers of the state legislature under Republican control by a slim margin, Democrats see potential for a shift in power.

Democrats have ramped up their efforts across Arizona, establishing the largest coordinated campaign to date, which includes 16 field offices. They emphasize reminding voters of past failures associated with MAGA candidates.

As the campaign continues, Sean McEnerney, the Arizona Democratic Coordinated Campaign manager, stated, “Vice President Harris is offering a new way forward for all Americans.” He emphasized the campaign’s focus on fundamental freedoms and economic stability.

On the other hand, Team Trump is also actively courting suburban voters with a new approach that emphasizes local engagement, a shift from their previous 2020 strategy. They are harnessing local volunteers to address concerns relevant to voters, such as inflation.

Trump’s campaign is aligning its messaging on abortion rights with broader suburban concerns, asserting that voters will have the opportunity to make decisions regarding abortion regulation in Arizona in the upcoming election.