In a decisive turn of events, Donald Trump has been declared the winner of Arizona, marking a significant victory that completes his sweep of all seven crucial battleground states in the U.S. presidential election. The win in Arizona brings Trump an additional 11 electoral votes, pushing his total to 312, while Vice President Kamala Harris stands at 226. This victory surpasses the 270 electoral votes required to secure the presidency, cementing Trump’s return to the White House.
The Republican Party has also successfully retained control of the Senate, the upper chamber of Congress. However, the House of Representatives remains up for contention, with results still being tallied.
Late on Saturday, the announcement of Arizona’s outcome provided a moment of triumph for Trump and his supporters, yet he has not publicly addressed the state’s final results.
Arizona’s electoral outcome holds particular significance for Trump, as the state has historically leaned Republican, only narrowly turning Democratic in the 2020 election, when Joe Biden won by a slim margin of just over 10,000 votes. The state’s flip back to the GOP underscores Trump’s successful appeal to voters across the Southwest.
Key Campaign Promises: Immigration and Border Security
Throughout his campaign, President-elect Trump emphasized stringent immigration measures, promising swift and large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants residing in the United States. He has also pledged to complete the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, a project he initiated during his previous presidency. Arizona, which shares a lengthy border with Mexico, has been central to discussions on border security.
Both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris made frequent campaign stops in Arizona, with each candidate underscoring their stance on immigration. While Trump maintained a hardline approach focused on deportations, Harris advocated for comprehensive border security measures coupled with potential pathways to citizenship.
The southern U.S. border has seen fluctuating numbers of migrant crossings, peaking under the Biden-Harris administration in late 2023 and subsequently decreasing in 2024. Estimates suggest that the U.S. currently has around 12 million undocumented immigrants, many of whom have lived in the country for decades, raising questions about the practicality of mass deportations.
While Trump has reiterated his commitment to stringent immigration policies, experts argue that such large-scale deportations would be difficult to execute, potentially impacting economic growth due to labor shortages in key industries. Trump’s additional promise to “end inflation” aims to address pressing economic concerns that many voters expressed during the campaign season.
Polls and Voting Patterns Defied Expectations
In the weeks leading up to election day, polls suggested a tightly contested race. However, Trump ultimately managed to expand his support across crucial demographics, leading to a broader vote share than initially anticipated.
Earlier on Saturday, Trump also made headlines by announcing he would not offer new positions to Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo, two prominent members of his previous administration. Haley, former Governor of South Carolina, had contested Trump for the Republican nomination and had been vocal in her criticism during the primaries, calling Trump “unhinged” at one point. Though she later endorsed him, Trump opted not to enlist her support in the campaign’s final phase.
In contrast, Pompeo, who served as CIA Director and Secretary of State under Trump, had been expected by many insiders to be a candidate for Secretary of Defense. Pompeo was instrumental in shaping Trump’s foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, and was a fierce defender of Trump’s administration.
The Influence of Key Trump Advisors
Certain influential figures within Trump’s circle have actively advised against involving Haley and Pompeo in the administration, suggesting that their priorities might not align with Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda. Veteran strategist Roger Stone, a close Trump ally, warned of potential opposition within the administration, referring to both Haley and Pompeo as potential “neocon” influences who might act contrary to Trump’s core policy goals.
In an article posted on his website, Stone cautioned Trump to remain vigilant about those he selects for key roles, particularly noting the risk of an internal “fifth column” from within the Republican establishment. Stone’s advice, while controversial, reflects a broader sentiment among Trump’s loyalists who favor individuals strictly aligned with Trump’s vision.
Arizona’s victory is the culmination of a strategic, determined campaign effort that has reshaped the 2024 election landscape. Trump’s renewed focus on immigration, economic stability, and a strict ‘America First’ policy agenda has resonated deeply with a broad voter base, indicating a shift toward policies that prioritize national security and economic self-sufficiency.
