A survey released Monday found abortion is not among the top five issues for Arizona voters, who instead are primarily concerned with the southern border and illegal immigration.
The Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) revealed its 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda found the majority of the state’s voters named immigration and border security as their most important issue.
Behind immigration, pollsters reported that long-term water supplies, education, inflation and housing costs are Arizona voters’ top five issues.
The pollsters additionally found that 60 percent of Arizonans say both elected politicians and candidates are “not focused on what’s most important to voters,” while a similar 62 percent reportedly told pollsters they prefer candidates “who are willing to compromise and work across the aisle” compared to those “with unwavering commitments to principles” that prevent such bipartisanship.
Pollsters also reported that 85 percent of Arizona voters “feel that the media has created more political division” in the state, with just 15 percent declaring the media had no impact.
The survey of 500 registered Arizona voters was conducted from March 4-11, before the Arizona Supreme Court enacted a 19th century abortion law that was ultimately repealed by Governor Katie Hobbs last week. CFA pollsters estimated a margin of error of 4.3 percent.
Both Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake and former President Donald Trump declared their opposition to the abortion law following the legal decision, with the former president highlighting his support for states making their own abortion laws and personal preference for legislation that allows exceptions for abortions in the event of rape or incest.
She recently challenged Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03) to a debate on the topic of abortion, but reported the Democrat immediately declined her officer.
“Ruben was given the opportunity to tell the people of Arizona where he stands on this issue, but unfortunately, he doesn’t have the testicular fortitude to take it,” said the Lake campaign in a statement released after Gallego declined her debate offer.
April data released by a progressive polling firm after the Arizona law was enacted, but before it was repealed, suggested Republicans are divided over abortion nationally. According to that poll, about 46 percent of Republicans supported the ruling, while 49 percent disapproved.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Busy Polling Place” by Ben Schumin CC3.0
