TUCSON, Ariz. — Ahead of former President Donald Trump's visit to Tucson, Pima County Republicans said the traditionally blue county is very much up for grabs come November. Trump lost Pima County by nearly 100,000 votes in 2020 but chose to make a stop there two months ahead of Election Day.
"It's traditionally been a really blue stronghold, but now we're seeing cracks in that, in that blue stronghold," Chairman of the Pima County Republican Party Dave Smith said. "I think what Trump brings to us is not only a unifying but an inspiring vision."
Smith says Pima County ranks #21 in terms of the most important counties to win in the country come November. Courting independent voters is vital for narrowing the gap, he says.
"We've got to make our stand here. That is so important because we're seeing a real transition from independents from leaning blue to leaning red," Smith said.
Pima County elected officials are expressing a similar optimism.
“I would like to think that it will be a bigger swing. I think we should have more votes this time around. I think a lot of the independent voters have started to see the light," Justine Wadsack, Republican State Senator from Legislative District 17 said.
On stage, Trump did not mention his choice to hold an event in a traditionally blue county. No matter the location, his supporters say any time he comes to a battleground state like Arizona, the Republican side gets a jolt.
"I think we’ve seen a sea change. So it's really hard to make a prediction when you're in that sea change. I think it's going to be a very tight battle," Smith said.
Decision 2024
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