(The Center Square) – Vice presidential candidates descended on Arizona as early voting began. Candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance held rallies and spoke at events on Wednesday to garner support from battleground voters.
Walz targeted distinct voter blocs, speaking to veterans, tribal leaders, latino voters and more. Walz was joined by Jim McCain and U.S. Senate Candidate Ruben Gallego to speak to veterans about unity and putting party before country.
“We never remembered serving beside a Republican, Democrat or Independent,” Walz said. “We served beside Americans.”
Additionally, during his meeting with Arizona’s indigenous leaders, he said that Vice President Kamala Harris and himself value the indigenous vote and have been working for it far before election season began.
During Walz’s last rally in Tucson, he emphasized Harris’ credibility and work as a California prosecutor, saying that former President Donald Trump wants to “cause problems and not create solutions.”
He noted that Trump and Vance have blamed the economic and housing crisis on undocumented migrants from the Southern border, but he believes it stems from other factors.
“They blame migrants,” Walz said. “Where are they getting the money to buy homes?”
He noted how Harris proposed a comprehensive border control plan, but Trump discouraged some key members of Congress to vote for the bill.
“Donald Trump knew it was an electoral problem for him,” Walz said.
Walz announced plans to create more affordable healthcare and housing if elected, saying they plan to expand medicare coverage for seniors to include homecare, vision and hearing. He also said that they are negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug costs.
Additionally, Walz said that they would establish a $50,000 tax credit to get small businesses off the ground. He also said that he and Harris would work to enact Roe v. Wade, establishing a right to abortion.
“Things work better in all aspects of life if people just mind their own damn business about things,” Walz said. “Our country waited 250 years for what we can do in 27 days, say ‘why hello Madam President.’”
Vance focused on the border crisis during his speech, noting how illegal crossing has affected Arizona in particular.
“Tucson is facing a historic border crisis, a historic increase in crime, drug trafficking and sex trafficking,” Vance said. “Our government has got to focus on our citizens.”
He also blamed “illegal” immigrants for overcrowding in schools and hospitals.
“It’s American children who have had their schools overrun with thousands and thousands of people who don’t even speak English,” Vance said. “Pack your bags because in four months you’re going home.”
Additionally, Vance noted that Trump’s plan to address the energy affordability crisis is to “drill, baby, drill.”
Both candidates encouraged Arizona’s voters to vote early. Arizonans can find more information on how to vote at arizona.vote.
Walz and Vance are not the only ones to visit Arizona as early voting begins. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff spoke at rallies Tuesday evening and Harris and First Lady Jill Biden will be campaigning in Arizona on Thursday. And, capping off the week of campaigning, Trump will be speaking at a rally on Sunday.
