President Joe Biden’s decision to allocate $19.5 billion towards Intel’s chip-making business could have significant implications in attracting independent voters in Arizona, a key swing state for Democrats. This move is expected to generate thousands of jobs in Arizona, which is a crucial factor for voters in the upcoming elections. Recent polls indicate that the economy is the second most important issue for Arizona voters, following immigration.
Arizona will play a crucial role in the presidential and congressional elections on November 5, along with the Senate race to succeed Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who is a Democrat-turned-independent. The state’s largest voting bloc consists of independent voters, representing around 40% of the electorate in the 2022 midterm elections.
Thom Reilly, a professor at Arizona State University, pointed out that independents could be pivotal in the upcoming elections. He highlighted the importance of appealing to the state’s youth, Hispanic voters, and Californian transplants. Biden’s investment in Intel is expected to resonate with these demographic groups.
The funding for Intel’s expansion comes from the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which allocated $52 billion in federal subsidies to support semiconductor production in the US. Arizona, along with Ohio, New Mexico, and Oregon, will receive funds for new semiconductor plants, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
The developments in Arizona are crucial for Democrats to secure their slim majority in the Senate. The race between Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake, a vocal Trump supporter, will be closely watched. Arizona could also impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority.
In a recent poll, Trump led Biden by a small margin, while Gallego held a lead over Lake. The location of Intel’s new facilities in Chandler, near Phoenix, places them in proximity to key House districts with competitive races. Republican Representatives David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani face tough challenges from Democratic contenders.
Schweikert, who voted against the semiconductor investment bill, narrowly won reelection in 2022. Ciscomani, a first-term Republican, is also expected to face stiff competition. Gallego, on the other hand, supported the bill, emphasizing the potential benefits for Arizona and its voters.
The impact of Biden’s investment in Intel on the upcoming elections will depend on effective communication from the White House. The administration must address concerns about consumer prices and inflation, which are key issues for undecided voters. The success of conveying the benefits of this investment could sway independent voters towards supporting the Democrats in Arizona.
Overall, the allocation of funds to Intel’s chip-making business in Arizona carries political implications for the upcoming elections. As both parties gear up for intense campaigns in the state, the outcome will be closely watched nationally. The support from independent voters and the economic impact of this investment will be significant factors in determining the electoral landscape in Arizona.
(Reporting by Richard Cowan; additional reporting by Tim Reid; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
