Arizona

Is Arizona an ‘emerging problem’ for Donald Trump? He could return to the state soon

Published

1 year ago

August 15, 2024

Is Arizona an ‘emerging problem’ for Donald Trump? He could return to the state soon

Arizona used to be a near-foregone conclusion for Donald Trump. Now it’s an “emerging problem,” according to one longtime political observer.

Vice President Kamala Harris is rising in battleground state polls and drew thousands to a political rally in Glendale last week, establishing herself as a more formidable Trump opponent than President Joe Biden was.

Now, Republicans wonder whether Trump has been present in Arizona enough and say he is losing ground to Democrats.

“They’re on their back foot,” said Chuck Coughlin, a longtime GOP strategist who left the party during the Trump era. “Arizona clearly is an emerging problem for him.”

Trump could address some of those criticisms in person as soon as next week. The former president is weighing a trip to Arizona’s southern border in Cochise County, where the U.S.-Mexico border runs for 84 miles. The region is home to two ports of entry: Douglas and Naco.

Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa and Sierra Vista police Chief Chris Hiser will be present for Trump’s visit, a city spokesperson said on Wednesday. It is not clear what day Trump might visit the county, and the former president’s campaign declined to answer questions about his travel plans.

Arizona is a top campaign destination for presidential candidates because it is among a handful of states that could decide the outcome of the 2024 election. Trump lost here by fewer than 11,000 votes in 2020, the smallest margin of any state on the electoral map. It was the first time a Democratic presidential candidate had won in Arizona since 1996 and only the second time since 1948.

Democrats had all but given up on Arizona’s presidential prospects at the beginning of the summer, but the well-choreographed swap at the top of the ticket has injected new enthusiasm in the party.

Harris held smaller Arizona events during her tenure as vice president but drew a crowd of 15,000 to Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale last week for her first Arizona appearance as the Democratic nominee. Trump addressed some 4,000 people at a rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix in June.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report just changed its Arizona presidential election forecast from “lean Republican” to “toss-up,” and a survey from Coughlin’s polling firm HighGround found Harris narrowly leading Trump in Arizona 44% to 42% among likely voters. (The HighGround survey was conducted July 30-Aug. 5 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.38 percentage points).

“I didn’t think Democrats thought they could win out here,” Coughlin said. “Now they’re like, oh … we might be able to win this thing.”

The Trump campaign has put more resources into Arizona lately, dispatching vice-presidential nominee JD Vance for a rally and border tour in Cochise County, the same region Trump is considering visiting.

Trump and his allies are also pouring millions into TV ad buys to attack Harris on immigration and the economy. MAGA Inc. just announced a $100 million TV ad buy across the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina, POLITICO reported.

“It’s hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes, just how bad the policies of the Kamala Harris administration have been when it comes to the southern border,” Vance said during his trip to the border wall, making sure to attack Harris on one of her most vulnerable issues.

Trump has veered off track with his messaging, though, according to one of his Arizona backers. Trump “never stops speaking” and should stick to a campaign message that can broaden his coalition, said Arizona Republican Alberto Gutier, who served as a Trump elector in 2016.

“Trump can still win it, but he’s gonna have to solidify what’s left of the party,” Gutier said, pointing to struggles Arizona Republicans have faced in recent years. The GOP lost three Senate races, the Governor’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office during the Trump era.

For its part, the Trump campaign said his momentum is growing and attacked Harris on the economy and the border.

“Everything — from rent, groceries to gas — is far more expensive under Kamala Harris. Under her failed leadership, Arizona families have experienced record high prices and an unruly border crisis; our communities have been less safe, and deadly drugs are killing our youth. President Trump offers Arizona voters hope through his agenda to make Arizona safe and affordable again,” Trump campaign spokesperson Halee Dobbins said in a written statement.

“The momentum is only growing for Trump ahead of November as voters grow sick and tired of Harris’ lies and unlivable policies; Arizona won’t buy her gaslighting this fall.”But Gutier said he’s worried that Harris appeals to a noteworthy voting group that could help sway the election result.

“Here in Arizona, young people, a lot of people who have not been involved in politics, see her as a savior,” Gutier said. “Good luck, America.”

Still, Trump just got a boost from a top Arizona Republican whom he butted heads with in the past. Former GOP Gov. Doug Ducey endorsed Trump on Tuesday, putting his “differences aside” to back the former president who once said Ducey was betraying Arizona by certifying the 2020 election results.

“Differences aside, there is too much on the line and only a Republican in the White House and a majority in the House and US Senate can ensure it,” Ducey said, throwing his support behind Trump and GOP Senate nominee Kari Lake.

No charges: Why Arizona Attorney General Mayes didn’t want to indict Trump in fake elector case

He also received praise from the Arizona Republican Party chair for taking questions from billionaire Trump booster Elon Musk during a lengthy livestream on Musk’s social media site. Harris has taken few questions from reporters since she became her party’s nominee.

“The conversation between President Trump and Elon Musk on X Spaces again demonstrated President Trump’s commitment to transparency and direct engagement with the American people,” Arizona GOP Chair Gina Swoboda said in a written statement. “In stark contrast, Kamala Harris has been noticeably absent from the media for over three weeks.”

When it comes to campaigning offline, Trump has a lighter footprint than the Harris operation in Arizona. The Trump campaign has eight offices here, compared with Harris’ 12, though it says it has plans to open more ahead of the election. Trump offices are in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Casa Grande, Sun City, Chandler, Mesa, Tucson and Kingman. The campaign also holds “Super Saturday” training sessions for volunteers around the state.

“The Harris-Walz campaign has seen a surge of momentum as voters are responding to Vice President Harris’ fight to bring down costs, secure the border, and make sure Arizona families don’t just get by but get ahead,” Harris spokesperson Jacques Petit said in a written statement.

“Meanwhile Donald Trump and JD Vance have almost no presence in the state and are running on a toxic Project 2025 agenda to ban abortion in Arizona and slash Medicare and Social Security, which is why Republicans, Democrats and Independents are coming together to defeat them and deliver the White House for Vice President Harris and Governor Walz.”

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Arizona

Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from Jan. 9-11

Published

9 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from Jan. 9-11

PHOENIX — From Phoenix stores being required to comply with a new shopping cart ordinance to a driver who fled police in a Mesa chase and more, here are some of the top Arizona news stories from Jan. 9-11.

Phoenix stores required to comply with new shopping cart ordinance

Phoenix stores that provide shopping carts to their customers must complete an annual certification to comply with the city’s new shopping cart ordinance.

The new ordinance, which will go into effect on Thursday, is being implemented to reduce the number of abandoned shopping carts in neighborhoods, sidewalks and other public spaces, according to a news release.

If any store fails to comply by the Thursday deadline, those with a retrieval contract will be subject to a $25 fee for every cart returned by the city. A $50 fee will be charged to stores that don’t have a contract

Driver who fled police in Mesa chase hospitalized after crash

A driver who fled Mesa police and crashed early Saturday morning was hospitalized, and he faces arrest once released, authorities said.

Police attempted to stop the man shortly after 2 a.m. near Stewart Road and Southern Avenue. Instead of yielding to police lights and sirens, he fled at high speeds, according to Mesa Police Department spokesperson Jesse Macias.

Police spotted the driver traveling north on the Loop 101 and then east on Loop 202 before exiting onto University Drive.

He continued west on University Drive until he collided with a pole near 64th Street. Officers then took him into custody.

Construction to start on 2nd segment of I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project

The second part of construction for the Interstate 10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project is set to begin, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

This will be the second out of four segments of the project. The full I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project spans 26 miles of I-10 from the Loop 202 to north of Casa Grande. It is expected to be completed in 2029, according to the project’s general construction duration timeline.

Construction crews will work on the 10-mile stretch of I-10 in both directions from Gas Line Road to south of State Route 387, north of Casa Grande.

2026 Arizona Bike Week motorcycle rally and concert series returns

Arizona Bike Week is returning to WestWorld of Scottsdale for its 29th annual edition this spring.

Arizona Bike Week is set for April 8-12 (Wednesday-Sunday), with concerts each of the first four nights. Admission is free on Sunday.

General admission rally passes, which include access to all four concerts, are on sale now for $192.60, which includes taxes and fees. Upgraded front row experience passes are $390.86, while the top tier option with front stage and elevated deck viewing access is priced at $532.63.

Project to improve SR 347 south of Valley takes step forward with contractor

A project to improve State Route 347 south of the Valley took a step forward this week by selecting a contractor, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced Thursday.

Following an extensive review process, Sundt Construction was selected as the contractor for the SR 347 Improvement Project.

The project’s purpose is to revamp a 15-mile stretch of the highway between Interstate 10 and the city of Maricopa. The section of road runs through both Maricopa and Pinal counties, but for the most part is located within the Gila River Indian Community.

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Arizona

San Jose State transfer OL Nate Hale committed to Arizona and broke down his decision

Published

22 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

San Jose State transfer OL Nate Hale committed to Arizona and broke down his decision

After taking official visits to UCLA and Arizona over the last week, San Jose State offensive line transfer Nate Hale is headed to Tuscon to play for the Wildcats.

Hale said his familiarity with the Wildcat staff, who initially recruited him to San Jose State played a big role.

“UCLA was great and they’re definitely building something there but I committed to Arizona on my trip,” Hale said. “A lot of the staff there is the same staff that was at San Jose State my freshman year and it was great to see so many familiar faces.

“I love coach B (Brent Brennan), he was one of the first coaches to offer me out of high school. I love his energy, authenticity and his belief in me and I can’t wait to play for him and go block for Noah (Fifita).”

UA OL coach Josh Oglesby played a big tole in his decision as well.

“It’s always impossible to say no to coach O,” Hale said. “I’m so excited to play for him again and I ahve a great connection with their OC Seth Doege as well.

“It was a tough decision but me and my family talked and prayed about it and we felt that Arizona was the best all around fit for me.”

Hale is a player we saw a lot of out of high school where he prepped for state power Orange Lutheran (Calif.). He signed with the Spartans as part of the class of 2023 and started 10 games as a right tackle this past season.

“I’m going to stay at tackle at Arizona as well,” Hale said. “They said they want me to come in to compete and contribute immediately.

“That was my first time in Tucson and I loved the campus and awesome facilities. I know I can develop on and off the field so I’m really excited about my decision.”

Hale will have two years of eligibility left and has the game experience and all around skill set to be a potential plug and play tackle and compete for a starting spot right away.

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Arizona

Arizona State Adds Mid-Season Game Changer: Euro Juniors Champion Albane Cachot

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Arizona State Adds Mid-Season Game Changer: Euro Juniors Champion Albane Cachot

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

18-year-old Albane Cachot from Toulouse, France, has joined the Arizona State University women’s swimming and diving team mid-season. The Dauphins Toulouse OEC (the same club that produced Léon Marchand) product wasted no time adapting to short-course yards, winning the 50/100/200 free events in her first meet at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center.

Cachot made a name for herself in 2024, when she won the 50 free (25.45), 100 free (54.65), 200 free (1:59.18), and 50 fly (26.57) at the French Junior Championships in April. Two months later, she finaled in all four events at the French Elite Championships, placing 10th in the 50 free (25.43), 5th in the 100 free (54.61), 4th in the 200 free (2:00.34), and 7th in the 50 fly (26.95).

In 2025, she represented France at both the European Junior Championships in Šamorín, Slovakia, and the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. At Euro Juniors, she won gold in the women’s 100 free, clocking a lifetime-best 54.17. She also finished 7th in the 50 free (25.48) and 7th in the 200 free (2:00.46), and 5th in the 50 fly (26.51, a PB). Cachot swam on 3 of France’s relays at World Championships (women’s 4×100 free, mixed 4×100 free, and mixed 4×100 medley). She earned a bronze medal for her prelims role in France’s mixed 400 medley relay, and she joined Beryl Gastaldello, Marina Jehl, and Marie Wattel in the women’s 400 free relay final that placed 5th with a national record-breaking time of 3:34.62.

In her short-course yards debut on January 3 at the dual meet with Grand Canyon, Cachot put up a team-leading time in the 50 free (22.43). She ranks 3rd in the 200 free (1:46.38) behind Jordan Greber (1:45.14) and Grace Lindberg (1:45.43) and 4th in the 100 free (49.11) behind Greber (48.81), Shane Golland (48.98), and Gerda Szilagyi (49.05). Greber, Lindberg, and Golland achieved their times during the CSCAA Dual Challenges.

The CSCAA challenge meets was also where ASU notched their fastest relay times of the season so far. Without speculating as to what her flying start times might be, it is clear that even her flat start SCY times would have lowered the Sun Devils’ free relay times by a couple of tenths in the 4×50 and 4×100 and by 3 seconds in the 4×200. And her converted LCM times would have been of even greater value.

Best SCY times:

50 free – 22.43
100 free – 49.11
200 free – 1:46.38

Best LCM times (converted):

50 free – 25.31 (22.08)
100 free – 54.17 (47.36)
200 free – 1:59.18 (1:44.48)
50 fly – 26.51 (23.25)

Cachot is joining Arizona State’s class of 2029 with Alexia Sotomayor, Bella Scopel Tramontana, Cali Watts, Eleaunah Phillips, Jessie Carlson, Marley Lovick, and Ursula Ott. Avery Spade was also new this season, transferring in from Indiana.

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