Both parties are intensifying their efforts to attract Native American voters as the election draws near. This demographic could play a crucial role in determining the outcomes in closely contested states like Arizona. Native Health, an urban Indian health center, has been actively engaging in voter registration events throughout Arizona in the lead-up to the election.
Walter Murillo, the CEO of Native Health, emphasized the significance of the Native vote in Arizona, highlighting the potential impact these voters could have in such a closely contested race. With President Biden’s narrow victory in Arizona in 2020 and the Native American population comprising 5% of the state, their support could sway the results.
Historically, Native Americans have leaned towards supporting Democratic candidates, and the Harris campaign is keen on maintaining this trend in 2024. To this end, the campaign launched the Native Americans for Harris-Walz coalition to mobilize tribal leaders, organizations, and voters in Arizona, home to 22 federally recognized tribes. This initiative represents the most extensive tribal organizing effort in the state by a Democratic presidential campaign, underscoring the strategic importance of Native American voters.
Vice President Harris garnered a significant endorsement from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in Nevada, marking the tribe’s first-ever presidential election endorsement. The tribe cited increased funding for tribes and appointments of Native Americans to federal positions as key factors in their decision to support Harris. This endorsement reflects the campaign’s outreach efforts in Western swing states like Nevada and Arizona.
At a powwow in Phoenix, tribal members engaged in cultural festivities while expressing their political preferences. Some Native American voters, like Kevin Jackson of the White Mountain Apache tribe, have already cast their ballots for Harris, emphasizing the need for infrastructure development. In contrast, Charles Quimayousie, a member of the Tohono O’odham tribe, voiced opposition to Trump’s border wall, citing its impact on his community.
Efforts to sway Native American voters are not limited to the Democratic campaign, as the GOP is also actively engaging with tribal communities. Members of the Navajo Nation in Gallup, New Mexico, interacted with GOP representatives at the Gallup Flea Market, discussing various platforms and values. The GOP’s approach involves fostering conversations around shared values rather than explicitly endorsing a candidate, aiming to build rapport with Native voters.
Both parties are striving to make inroads with Native American voters, recognizing their potential influence in key battleground states. GOP organizers noted a shift in attitudes among tribal members, with increased engagement and pride in expressing their political preferences. The Democratic presence at the market, led by Brenda Hoskie of the Navajo Nation, emphasized community engagement through initiatives like mutton stew stands on Election Day to encourage voter turnout and foster support.
As the election approaches, the focus on Native American voters underscores their significance in shaping electoral outcomes. Both parties are actively courting these voters, recognizing the pivotal role they could play in determining the results in closely contested states like Arizona.
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