Arizona Republican Mayor Supports Harris... Why?

"Now more than ever, we need leaders who prioritize the country over the party."

With the U.S. presidential election coming up this November, mayors of border cities in the battleground state of Arizona are increasingly declaring their support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, even mayors affiliated with the Republican Party have expressed their backing for Harris, who is widely expected to be the Democratic presidential candidate, drawing attention.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

John Giles, mayor of Mesa, a city near Phoenix, Arizona, published an op-ed titled "Why I, as a Republican Mayor, Support Kamala Harris Over Trump" on the 29th (local time) in local newspapers including Arizona Central, expressing this stance.

Mayor Giles stated, "Our party (Republican) has supported the belief that all Arizonans, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have the freedom and opportunity to pursue the 'American Dream,'" adding, "It is time to return to the party's core foundation."

He criticized, "Since Donald Trump refused to accept the 2020 election results, the Republican Party has not been moving in the right direction," and said, "The Republican Party with Trump is not focusing on fundamental freedoms but is heading down the path of political extremism." He emphasized the motto of former Senator John McCain, who ran for president in the past, "Country First," saying, "We need leaders who prioritize the country over the party."

Mayor Giles, who has led Mesa since 2014, argued that former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has ignored immigration and border policy reforms to resolve the southern border crisis, claiming, "He wants to exploit this (border crisis) for personal political reasons." On the other hand, he mentioned investments and job creation under the Biden-Harris administration, evaluating, "Harris is the competent leader we need."

Additionally, Mayor Giles mentioned Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, who is also considered a leading Democratic vice-presidential candidate. He said, "Arizona leaders like McCain and Senator Kelly pursued dedication to the country over the party," and added, "I see the same level of character and leadership in Vice President Harris." He continued, "Harris is a capable, just, and fair leader. This year (the election), too much is at stake to vote Republican," and added, "We must stand together against the far-right agenda. Let's prioritize the country over the party with votes to stop Trump and protect democracy."

Contrasting with the Republican Party's offensive, which targets Vice President Harris's perceived weaknesses on immigration and border issues, support for Harris from mayors of Arizona border cities has been confirmed recently. The Harris campaign announced that it has secured support from the mayors of Bisbee, Nogales, Somerton, and San Luis. Gerardo Anaya, mayor of Somerton, stated in a press release, "She (Harris) does not exploit us for her political gain like her opponent (Trump), and I believe she will meet the needs of border cities and towns."

AP News assessed, "The Republican Party aims to make the border issue a political burden for Harris, just as it did before Joe Biden withdrew from the race," and said, "Support from Arizona's border region could serve as a rebuttal to these criticisms."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.