Arizona has been a historically Republican-leaning state in presidential elections, with a few exceptions that have shaped its political landscape over the years. In the 2020 election, Arizona made headlines by voting for a Democratic candidate for the first time since 1996, when Bill Clinton secured a narrow victory over Republican Bob Dole.
Former President Donald Trump, who won Arizona in 2016 by a significant margin, faced a tighter race in 2020 and ultimately lost the state to Joe Biden by a slim margin of 0.3%. This marked a significant shift in Arizona's political preferences and highlighted the state's evolving demographics and voter sentiments.
According to Ballotpedia, Arizona has historically favored Republican presidential candidates, voting for them 67.9% of the time between 1912 and 2020. In contrast, Democratic candidates have secured victory in Arizona only 32.1% of the time during the same period. Despite this trend, Arizona has maintained a track record of picking the winning presidential candidate nearly 79% of the time, showcasing its importance as a swing state.
With 11 electoral votes up for grabs, Arizona holds significant sway in determining the outcome of the presidential election. Its status as a bellwether state, capable of reflecting national political trends, has made it a focal point for both parties during election campaigns.
