PHOENIX — President Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate voting by mail, though several of his Republican associates in critical Western states are taking a more measured stance. U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, one of Trump’s endorsed candidates in the Arizona governor's race, has previously questioned mail voting but doesn’t support its total elimination. His rival, Karrin Taylor Robson, while also backed by Trump, has yet to state a clear position. This tension illustrates the broader struggle GOP candidates encounter as the midterm elections approach, trying to balance Trump’s influence against the preferences of Republican voters.
In Arizona, especially sensitive due to Trump’s full endorsement of both Biggs and Taylor Robson, mail voting became integral in the 2024 elections, helping Republicans gain significant victories. Despite Trump's opposition to mail voting, GOP strategist Barrett Marson noted its efficiency in previous elections, highlighting a paradox within the party’s current trajectory.
The opposition to mail-in voting, fostered by Trump's repeated claims of voter fraud, presents an ongoing challenge for candidates who know 85% of Arizona voters utilize mailed ballots. Both Biggs and Taylor Robson have engaged in mail voting for years, complicating their public narratives, especially given Arizona’s history as a pioneer in mail voting since the 1990s.
As Republican candidates work through this intricate landscape, the stakes are further heightened by diverging strategies across states. In Nevada, where Governor Joe Lombardo has maintained moderate communications yet supported Trump, the dynamics mirror those in Arizona as candidates navigate what mail voting means for their electoral prospects.
While some candidates openly reject Trump's dismissal of mail voting entirely, they also acknowledge the necessity of restoring voter confidence, creating a convoluted narrative heading into the midterms. With each move meticulously calculated, the Republican party faces fundamental questions regarding the future of its voting strategies as it attempts to unify the base.
