Kamala Harris takes charge of immigration message to win Arizona

Vice President Kamala Harris is upping her game as she begins her campaign to win over voters, particularly the fast-growing Latino communities in swing states. She recently held a pivotal rally in Glendale, Arizona, where she used her experience as California’s former attorney general to make her case for comprehensive immigration reform.

More than 15,000 supporters gathered to hear her speak, where she spoke passionately about her past efforts to combat transnational gangs, drug cartels and smugglers. “I’ve prosecuted them in case after case, and I’ve won,” Harris said, underscoring her qualifications to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing border communities.

Harris cut straight to the heart of the immigration issue, promoting bipartisan efforts from earlier this year aimed at bolstering border security. Unfortunately, those proposals were met with fierce opposition from Republican lawmakers, all orchestrated by former President Donald Trump. “Donald Trump doesn’t want to solve this problem,” Harris claimed, indicating Trump’s lack of genuine interest — just harsh rhetoric about the border, she pointed out.

This push on immigration appears to be part of her broader strategy to reposition herself and navigate what was seen as one of her biggest political liabilities during her tenure as vice president. With Biden struggling to maintain support among key demographics, particularly young voters and Latino populations, Harris wants to reshape the narrative around immigration as she tries to build momentum for her campaign.

Notably, the vice president wasn’t alone on stage; she was accompanied by her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was introduced at their rally. The ticket marks a shift as they prepare for the upcoming campaign season, particularly in states where Democrats have traditionally faced stiff competition. Walz, with his down-to-earth demeanor and recognizable Midwestern charm, will help bridge the appeal gap as they target Arizona’s diverse electorate.

Harris made it clear to Arizonans: “Arizona, our fight is a fight for the future, and it’s a fight for freedom,” as she wove messages of personal liberty with calls for voting rights, gun safety measures, and reproductive rights. Her rhetoric clearly taps into themes of empowerment, aiming to resonate with those seeking progressive reform.

But the terrain isn’t exactly kind to Harris. The Arizona political scene has been heated of late, with Republicans bashing Harris and her party over controversial immigration policies. Senate candidate Kari Lake recently pitted Harris and her positions against rising Democratic candidate Ruben Gallego, branding them with statements like a “radical border agenda” to sway undecided voters. Some Republicans, like Pima County Party Chairman Dave Smith, have openly expressed how easy it would be to shift their election strategy to Harris, seeing her as vulnerable and a ready target.

Still, Harris is determined to win over these voters. Her personal story, as the daughter of immigrants, plays a prominent role in her outreach campaign. It’s presented as a tale of hard work, resilience and success, which she uses to inspire others in the Latino community. Meanwhile, she continues to engage them through media ads that emphasize similar themes to her live speeches.

It’s becoming increasingly clear how important every vote will be. The state has undergone shifts since Trump’s political rise, leading to notable results like Biden’s narrow 2020 victory by just over 11,000 votes. Both major parties are bracing for another incredibly close race, and many see Harris’ candidacy as crucial for Democrats to maintain their position.

Harris took the time to connect with those at the rally, meeting with supporters and listening to their concerns, particularly around safety issues related to gun violence. Jen Duran, a 37-year-old independent mother, emphasized the importance of safety for her children, saying, “So safety for our children is really important.” Her comments were well-received, indicating that widespread concerns about child safety are something that both parties need to address going forward.

After the rally, Harris stopped by Cocina Adamex, a small Latin American-owned business, to show her commitment to local communities. This commitment goes beyond electoral politics; she was there to connect with voters and recognize the critical role small businesses play in the prosperity of these communities.

Meanwhile, while Harris took to the stage in Arizona, Trump ventured out to rally support for senatorial candidate Tim Sheehy in Montana, in an effort to regain lost ground from previous elections. His performances are also notable against the backdrop of the upcoming presidential election, marked by tensions and heightened Republican efforts to regain control.

Overall, Harris appears to have her hands full preparing for this political season. Her remarks were laced with urgency, with her declaring, “We’re definitely running as underdogs.” Still, Democrats remain cautiously optimistic about her ability to rally support.

Against this backdrop, voters have become increasingly vocal. Many are eager to hear proposals on health care, immigration, reproductive rights, and gun safety. The tension around these issues will have a major impact on how many people vote and which way they go.

Arizona is one of America’s changing landscapes, transitioning from firmly Republican roots to a battleground state, with both sides determined to adapt, appeal to individuals based on pressing issues, and combat the narrative deaths they see from the other side.

With speeches full of hope and dedication, Harris continues to weave a narrative aimed at uniting her party and preserving the gains Democrats have made within Arizona’s changing political demographics. The race will remain tight, underscoring how divisions are growing as both parties use every means to influence voters.

Corporate donations, grassroots organizations, social media influencers: Each side will deploy entirely new strategies as the election approaches. Arizona is poised for what could be one of the most important contests of the upcoming election season, with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz poised to make their case as they fight for votes.