Arizona’s Key Role in the 2024 Presidential Election
- Morelys Urbano
- Nov 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
BALTIMORE, MD - The state of Arizona is a critical battleground in the 2024 presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. With its 11 electoral votes potentially tipping the balance in the close race, the state is drawing national attention.
In the final stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign, Arizona has emerged as a critical battleground. From grassroots organizers to passionate supporters on both sides, Arizona’s voters represent an example of the dividing issues at the heart of this election.
For Candice Fortin, the U.S. campaigns manager at 350.org, Arizona offers a unique but challenging opportunity to shift the political landscape. Fortin explained her presence in Arizona as part of a robust grassroots effort aiming to mobilize undecided voters and invest in key battleground states.
“Yesterday we had over 400 canvassers on the ground, hitting doors, talking to voters and moving a lot of undecided folks,” Fortin said, optimistic about the potential for Arizona to shift blue. “I think Arizona definitely has a strong potential to turn blue…There’s just so much action happening on the ground to move folks, and our opposition isn’t showing up in the same way.”
While Fortin’s efforts focus on mobilizing progressive voters, Trump supporters, such as Angel Walker, emphasize Arizona's need to "protect America first." Walker, a self-identified evangelical conservative, declared her support for Trump as an act of faith. "We want to make things come back to the USA...We want our kids to be safe, our economy to be safe, and we want to live together again in love and unity," said Walker.
When asked about undocumented immigrants, Walker said, “Just get yourself documented... We don’t want illegals here; it’s just becoming very expensive for American people." While many people don't agree with Walker's ideas, immigration is indeed a crucial issue in the border state, where Hispanic residents make up over 30% of the population.
Wesley Andujar, a Puerto Rican restaurant owner in Phoenix, voiced concerns over insulting comments made at a recent Trump rally that labeled Puerto Rico as an "island of garbage." Andujar called the remarks “stupid,” emphasizing the contributions Puerto Ricans make to the U.S. “Us Puerto Ricans, we do a lot for the country,” he said, urging Puerto Ricans and other Latinos to vote, believing that their engagement could sway the election.
The criticism, however, is not only directed at Trump. Harris has also faced backlash, particularly over her stance on the Israel-Palestine war. Jacob Apenes, a young voter from Oregon, expressed frustration with both candidates. “With the genocide in Palestine, I don’t really have much excitement for Harris…I just don’t see Trump as doing any better,” said Apenes. Apenes feelings are shared by many young voters who feel frustrated by the two choices. A recent poll made by Harvard University showed that while young Americans favored Kamala Harris, the enthusiasm of young voters that surged in 2020, appears lower in 2024, with concerns over candidate options and divisive political issues dampening excitement.
As the election nears, Arizona stands as a testament to the broader issues and deep divides shaping the nation. Whether through canvassing neighborhoods or rallying at campaign events, voters on both sides are making their voices heard in a race that will determine the next 4 years in America.
With the stakes so high, and with perspectives as diverse as Arizona’s own population, one thing is certain: the voices of Arizona’s residents will play a defining role in determining the next president of the United States
By Morelys Urbano
Contribution by Harvard Kennedy School, AZ Central
Photos by Morelys Urbano
Video by MSNBC
Audio by Morelys Urbano
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