Arizona voter from Republican family splits allegiance, votes Democrat as swing states gear up for election | US News
The state of Arizona, once a stronghold for Republicans, saw a shift in 2020.
Joe Biden became the second Democrat to win Arizona since 1948, with a narrow victory by less than 11,000 votes. Polls indicate that Arizona could once again be decided by a small margin.
A beautiful view of Arizona can be seen from Dobbins Lookout above Phoenix.
As people gathered to watch the sunset, many contemplated their votes in the upcoming election.
Among them were Jennifer Montero and her fiance Richie Garcia, basing their decision on their economic situation.
“Prices have skyrocketed,” said Ms Montero, “I want to be able to afford basic things like I used to, especially now that I’m planning to start a family.”
Until 2020, Arizona was reliably Republican
Both Montero and Garcia are of Mexican descent, reflecting the diverse population of Arizona where immigration issues play a significant role.
For Garcia, being a native-born American means less concern over border issues.
“The Hispanic community, influenced by immigration concerns, has tended to vote Democrat. However, with my family being citizens, immigration status doesn’t impact my decision,” he explained.
In downtown Phoenix, less than 30 minutes away, people were already casting their votes at a drive-through polling center.
Renee Rojas, a lifelong Republican who is voting Democrat for the first time
One voter, Renee Rojas, a lifelong Republican, made the switch to vote Democrat in this election.
Rojas, of Native American and Latino heritage, cited Donald Trump as the reason for her change in allegiance.
“The recent rhetoric and shifts in the Republican Party made me realize we’re headed in the wrong direction,” she stated. She also noted that despite her Republican family background, many are shifting towards the Democratic party this year.
US election latest: Harris and Trump make late bid to woo voters
Rojas also expressed concerns about potential unrest post-election, reflecting the strong conservative values prevalent in her state.
“As an Arizonan, I own guns for protection, and people have the right to demonstrate peacefully,” she added.
A drive-through polling centre in downtown Phoenix
Other voters, like Peter Orozco, emphasized stability as the reason behind their vote choice.
Orozco believes the current administration will maintain stability in foreign policy.
“Political upheaval on an international level could lead to catastrophic consequences, so having consistency is crucial,” he remarked.
Mortgage broker Dane Jensen (R)
However, some Arizonans feel the state has worsened since the Democrats took office.
One such voter is Dane Jensen, a 26-year-old mortgage broker holding a “Swifties for Trump” banner outside a polling station in Scottsdale.
Jensen made the banner as a humorous jab at Taylor Swift’s Democratic endorsement, aiming to provoke Democratic voters.
👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈
Regarding Swift, Jensen stated, “Someone flying around in a private jet and endorsing environmental causes seems contradictory to me.” He continued, “I don’t agree with wealthy individuals dictating ideals when they are insulated from everyday struggles.”
Read more:
Should we fear Trumponomics?
University students handed cookies for voting early
What happens if there’s a tie in the US election?
Arizona voters like Jensen are not just influenced by celebrities but also real economic and social issues.
Stay up to date with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
“I’m a native of this state, familiar with its issues. Crime, border security, and the economy are integral parts of our daily lives,” Jensen expressed.
These everyday concerns in critical states like Arizona will ultimately determine the outcome of an election hanging by a thread.
On election night, Sky News will provide in-depth exit polls and vote counts from across the US in partnership with NBC.
For more on Sky News’ election coverage, click here.
