(The Center Square) – Arizona remains a battleground state as both presidential candidates continue to target key voter demographics in the Grand Canyon state. Most recently – Arizona’s tribal communities.
The past couple of weeks, Harris-Walz campaign surrogates have been visiting numerous tribes to address tribal concerns in Arizona.
“Native American voters make up about 5% of the state’s population, and their power at the ballot box is growing,” reads a statement from the Harris-Walz campaign. “In 2020, Biden won the Grand Canyon state by only .4%. The campaign is confident that Tribal communities will once again play a crucial role in delivering Arizona for Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.”
According to 2020 election results, the indigenous population was a significant factor in President Joe Biden’s victory with Navajo Nation precincts showing 60-90% support for Biden.
Those who visited tribal nations include U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, DOI Secretary Deb Haaland and Arizona Rep. Mae Peshlakai. They met with tribal leaders from the Gila River Indian Community, the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Navajo Nation.
“We have the power to decide between a new way forward for Arizona and Navajo Nation – or the same old, tired playbook,” Haaland said. “Between Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz, and Democrats, who are laser-focused on the future – and Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans trying to drag us back to the past. In this campaign, Democrats are offering something to vote for: A future where there’s a place for every person where our middle class is strong and our freedoms are protected. That’s the future Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for.”
Additionally, the Harris-Walz campaign launched “Native Americans for Harris-Walz” today, outlining a plan to reach indigenous voters.
The Trump-Vance campaign says that they are also prioritizing tribal voters, targeting key issues that are important to those communities including the rising costs of goods and services, the safety and protection of women and energy independence. The campaign stated that they have learned about those issues and have come up with solutions based on weekly meetings with members of the Navajo Nation.
“Team Trump in Arizona has been dedicated to uplifting the Native American people and addressing the unique challenges facing their communities,” said Halee Dobbins, RNC Arizona communications director. “We are proud to have staff and volunteers in communities to meet Native American voters where they are, from flea markets and fairs to rodeos, chapter houses, and churches.”
Dobbins said that if elected, Trump would prioritize restoring energy dominance, lowering inflation and supporting law enforcement.
While there is not much data when it comes to how presidential candidates poll among Arizona’s indigenous voters, Harris has seen support from some of Arizona’s tribal leaders including endorsements from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and San Carlos Apache Tribe’s governing council. Additionally, Colorado River Tribes Chairwoman Amelia Flores and Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis has shown support for the Harris-Walz ticket.
