Arizona Voters Frustrated with Candidates but Engaged on Key Issues
The Big Picture
Arizona is shaping up to be one of the most contested swing states in the 2024 election. While voters are engaged, they are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with both major parties and their respective candidates.
Polling from the Independent Center reveals that 80% of Arizona voters have a negative view of the current political climate. Moreover, a majority of voters believe that neither the Democratic nor Republican parties have chosen the best candidates for the upcoming election.
With immigration and the economy ranking as the top voter concerns, Arizona's swing voters will be the deciding factor in this critical battleground state.
Zooming In
Candidate Approval in Arizona
We asked registered voters: “How do you view the current political climate in America?”
- 80% of voters responded negatively, with most stating they feel disconnected from the national political discourse.
When asked if they believed their party had chosen the best candidate:
- 59% of voters said the Democrats have not selected their best candidate.
- 57% of voters said the same about the Republicans.
This widespread dissatisfaction suggests that many Arizonans feel politically homeless, seeking alternatives beyond the traditional two-party system.
Key Issues for Arizona Voters
To determine what matters most to Arizona voters, we asked: “What is the most pressing issue in America today?”
- 28% of voters ranked immigration as their top issue.
- 22% of voters ranked jobs and the economy as most important.
- Taxes (10%), abortion (9%), police reform (2%), and national security (6%) ranked significantly lower.
The data confirms that immigration and economic concerns will drive Arizona’s election results, influencing both presidential and congressional races.
Swing Voters Will Determine Arizona's Outcome
When asked: “If this year’s presidential election were between Republican Donald Trump, Democrat Joe Biden, and an Independent/third-party candidate, how would you vote?”
- 44% of voters said they would vote for Trump.
- 38% of voters said they would vote for Biden.
- 13% of voters said they would vote for an Independent candidate.
However, when asked: “Do you expect in the course of the presidential election campaign you might change your mind about the presidential candidate you will vote for?”
- 12% of Arizona voters said they expect to change their mind.
- A substantial number of voters remain undecided, leaving the election outcome highly uncertain.
Independent Lens
Arizona voters are growing increasingly frustrated with the traditional two-party system. Much like voters in Michigan, they are dissatisfied with both major candidates and remain unenthusiastic about their options in 2024.
However, Arizona’s undecided and swing voters will ultimately decide the election. The fact that a significant percentage of the electorate remains open to changing their minds underscores the importance of outreach to this group.
To win Arizona, candidates must:
- Prioritize immigration and economic solutions.
- Engage undecided voters with practical, results-driven policies.
- Appeal to independents who seek a viable alternative.
This growing bloc of voters will determine Arizona’s electoral direction, making engagement, persuasion, and common-sense policymaking essential.
For deeper insights into voter sentiment in key battleground states, join the Independent Center and access our full research and analysis.
