(Chandler, Arizona) — Under a blazing desert sky, the Rawhide Event Center became a rallying ground Thursday for over 7,000 Arizonans united in support of Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, whose “underdog” appeal lit up the crowd.
In her latest campaign stop, Harris brought an urgent call to action, encouraging Arizona voters to transform the state’s “battleground” status into a “blue wall” for a second consecutive election. Marking her second visit to Arizona in two weeks, Harris’s return underscores the state’s significance to her campaign.
Coinciding with the start of Arizona’s early voting, the rally underscored the importance of every vote in this close race. With its 11 electoral votes at stake, Arizona has become a focal point on the national electoral map, as recent polls reveal a statistical tie between Harris and her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. It’s a high-stakes contest Harris framed as pivotal for Arizona voters.
Supporters braved a blistering 104°F heat, lining up under the relentless sun. Inside, they fanned themselves with Harris campaign signs, keeping rhythm with the DJ’s music. Despite the conditions, the crowd’s determination held firm, even as at least two attendees were treated for heat exhaustion inside the arena.
The resilience on display echoed Harris’s words in her speech: “This will be a very tight race until the end,” she said. “We are the underdogs here in Arizona, and there’s work ahead of us, but hard work has never stopped us.”
Unlike Harris’s August rally in Glendale, which drew nearly twice as many attendees, the Chandler event was more compact but no less energized. Speakers included prominent Arizona leaders like Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, each adding gravity to the evening’s message.
Still, it was Harris’s arrival that brought the crowd to its feet, the energy palpable as her call to action was met with waves of applause and chants.
Building on this momentum, Harris focused on Arizona’s influence in the 2024 election, emphasizing the critical role of early voting and the weight of each individual voice.
With polls showing a neck-and-neck race, she highlighted the stakes, referencing a recent Supreme Court ruling granting immunity to former presidents and warning of risks to democratic norms. Her words underscored her broader vision while reinforcing her commitment to issues close to Arizona voters.
Late in September, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ campaign brought her to the U.S.-Mexico border, spotlighting her focus on national security and immigration policy. Her repeated visits to Arizona underscore the state’s key role, and her supporters’ persistence under the harsh conditions demonstrated their shared commitment to her cause.
The rally ended amid what could only be described as “Kama-love”—a charged atmosphere reflecting deep enthusiasm. As the crowd slowly dispersed, many visibly tired from the day, a sense of mobilized resolve lingered, embodying the grassroots efforts aiming to shape Arizona’s role in the coming election.
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