Arizona Voters Divided on Trump as Midterms Approach | LA Times

CAREFREE, Ariz. — The neatly-named streets of Carefree, Arizona – Easy Street, Nonchalant Avenue – belie a community deeply fractured by the lingering presence of Donald Trump in the American psyche. As the nation heads toward November’s midterm elections, the voters of Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, a key battleground, find themselves grappling not just with policy disagreements, but with a fundamental inability to understand how their neighbors can see the world – and the former president – so differently.

Elizabeth H., a 55-year-old semiretired financial services professional, paused recently outside the local post office, expressing a sense of unease. “I think the climate imposed by the Trump administration is really sad and scary,” she said, requesting anonymity to avoid potential backlash. Her concerns center on what she perceives as a troubling escalation of tactics, specifically referencing the use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “I don’t like the way that ICE is being used to bully citizens and even just people who are brown,” she continued, adding her dismay at what she sees as a partisan divide in how states are treated by the federal government. “And I don’t like that governors of blue states are being shut out while governors of red states are being welcomed. I just don’t think he treats us like we’re all Americans.”

But for Anthony D., a 66-year-old plumbing contractor and New York native, the Trump presidency represents a welcome change. He sees positive economic indicators – tariffs working, negotiations succeeding – as evidence of a leader focused on American interests. “We finally don’t have a— in office that are destroying our country and worrying about everybody else in the world,” he stated bluntly. He echoes a sentiment often heard from Trump supporters: a belief that the president is a pragmatic problem-solver, unburdened by political correctness.

The disconnect extends beyond policy preferences. Both Elizabeth and Anthony, like several others interviewed, requested their last names be withheld, highlighting a climate of fear and polarization. What truly bothers Anthony, he admitted, is the inability of others to recognize the positive changes he believes Trump has brought about. “Most people don’t like what he says, but look what he’s doing,” he argued, pointing to a rising stock market and lower gas prices. “You can hate the person, but don’t hate the message. He’s trying to do the right thing.”

Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, stretching from the northeastern edges of Phoenix into the Sonoran Desert, is a microcosm of this national divide. It’s a district characterized by affluence, education, and a growing political complexity. Once reliably Republican, the district narrowly went to Joe Biden in 2020, only to swing back to Trump in 2024. This volatility makes it a prime target for both parties as they vie for control of the House of Representatives.

The open seat, created by the decision of long-time Representative Dave Schweikert to run for governor, has further intensified the competition. A crowded field of candidates is vying for the opportunity to represent this crucial district, but the focus often returns to the shadow of the former president. Despite the high stakes, voter interest in the actual race appears muted, with Trump dominating the conversation.

Moe Modjeski, a supporter, acknowledged Trump “is no altar boy,” but remains steadfast in his belief that the president’s policies are beneficial. Denise F., a 73-year-old retired banker, voted for Trump out of opposition to Kamala Harris, but now expresses disillusionment with his divisive rhetoric and foreign policy decisions. “I don’t like the division in the country,” she said. “I think Trump thinks he’s a king.”

The debate over immigration, a long-standing issue in Arizona, is particularly fraught. Thomas Campbell, a retired architect, blames Democratic policies for any perceived overreach by ICE, arguing that a lack of cooperation from blue states forces federal agents to take more aggressive action. Martha Cornelison, however, questions the focus on deporting law-abiding residents, suggesting a more targeted approach focused on removing criminals from prisons. “I think they’re going after the wrong people,” she said.

The sense of bewilderment is palpable. Voters on both sides struggle to comprehend the perspectives of those who hold opposing views. Brent Bond, an artist, expressed a desire for more severe consequences for Trump, stating, “I don’t think they should only impeach, I think they should imprison.” Conversely, others fear that any attempt to curtail Trump’s influence will be futile. Elizabeth H. Summed up a feeling of resignation, stating, “The fact is, Trump is going to keep Trumping until he’s done. My only relief is that he’s an old, old man and he’s not going to be here forever.”

As Arizona’s 1st Congressional District prepares to cast its votes, the underlying question remains: can a community so deeply divided find common ground, or will the chasm between opposing viewpoints continue to widen, leaving the future of the district – and perhaps the nation – uncertain?