Arizona is holding its presidential primaries today, playing a crucial role in the political landscape. In the 2020 election, Arizona was instrumental in delivering Joe Biden his victory and helping Democrats secure control of the Senate.
In 2016, Donald Trump won Arizona by a significant margin over Hillary Clinton. However, in 2020, Biden flipped the state, becoming the first Democratic nominee to win Arizona since 1996.
State Demographics
In the 2020 general election, 39% of voters identified as independents, with Biden winning this group with 53% of the vote. The Latino electorate has been steadily increasing, constituting 19% of the vote in 2020.
Maricopa County
Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, is a significant player in Arizona politics. Despite traditionally leaning Republican, Biden managed to secure 50% of the votes in the county in 2020. The county is home to a majority of Arizona's registered voters and has a strong high-tech economy.
Democratic support in Maricopa County comes from areas like Tempe's university community and Phoenix's Latino population. In 2016, Trump narrowly won the county, but Biden's victory in 2020 showcased shifting political dynamics.
Pima County
Pima County, where Tucson is located, tends to lean Democratic. It is another key area where Democratic support is strong, contributing to the overall political landscape of Arizona.
As Arizona's presidential primaries unfold, the state's diverse demographics and shifting political allegiances will continue to shape the outcome and influence national politics.