Keith Mann, a Phoenix independent voter, skipped the 2024 election due to dissatisfaction with both presidential candidates. Despite disliking Trump’s character, he feels cautiously optimistic about his actions, such as reducing migrant crossings and supporting government efficiency initiatives led by Elon Musk. Reactions in Arizona’s First Congressional District range from enthusiasm among Republicans for Trump’s policies to mixed feelings from independents. While some express concern over Trump’s confrontational style and foreign policy, many voters appreciate a strong leadership approach. Overall, Arizona’s sentiment towards Trump remains split, with some finding positive aspects in his administration despite lingering dissatisfaction.
Keith Mann, identifying as an independent voter, chose not to participate in the 2024 election, dissatisfied with both presidential candidates.
While he remains critical of President Trump’s character, Mr. Mann, a 41-year-old resident of Phoenix, expressed cautious optimism about the first month of Mr. Trump’s second term.
“He’s delivering on his promises,” Mr. Mann remarked. He noted positive developments such as fewer migrants at the border, a shift towards reducing aid for Ukraine, and expressed hopes that Elon Musk would eliminate unnecessary government spending and provide citizens with $5,000 dividend checks as a form of relief.
“I’m just waiting to see how it all unfolds,” Mr. Mann shared. “Ultimately, he’s our president — wishing him ill won’t help.”
As Mr. Trump gets ready to deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night — a substitute for the State of the Union during the initial year of a presidency — voters in competitive districts nationwide are attempting to decipher the torrent of executive orders and actions marking Mr. Trump’s second term.
In Arizona’s First Congressional District, which includes the fluctuating suburbs of Phoenix and Scottsdale — regions that helped turn Arizona blue in 2020 before swinging back to the right last year — responses to Mr. Trump varied widely, from elation among Republicans to disappointment among Democrats, with a few skeptical independents caught in the mix.
The political tension in this competitive district is palpable, yet discussions with numerous voters across the political spectrum reveal many are willing to allow Mr. Trump the leeway he needs to implement his vision of “America First.”
“I feel fantastic,” declared Rashad Davis, 33, a Republican excited about the newly announced import tariffs by Mr. Trump. “He’s keeping his promises — everything he said.”
Numerous voters highlighted the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded by Mr. Musk, as a significant factor in their open-mindedness towards the Trump administration — at least to a degree.
Maureen Wielgus, 69, mentioned that she had voted for Mr. Trump in both of the previous elections and was satisfied with his performance thus far, although she noted that he sometimes needed to “soften his tone.”
Ms. Wielgus had similar balanced views on Mr. Musk’s initiative, which has led to mass layoffs while claiming substantial government savings, often later retracting or correcting errors.
“They approach things aggressively, a bit bluntly,” she observed. “However, they’re uncovering corruption and fraud.”
Across the state, opinions on Mr. Trump appear divided. Recent polls indicate that about half of Arizona’s residents at least somewhat approve of his job performance. Rich Thau, head of the impartial research firm Engagious, stated that in a recent focus group of a dozen Arizona voters who supported Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2020 but switched to Mr. Trump last year, they all rated Mr. Trump favorably for his actions.
“Voters desire a strong leader who takes charge, follows through on promises, and that’s the impression they have when observing Trump’s actions,” Mr. Thau remarked. Yet, he cautioned, “they are quite concerned about his tendency to get sidetracked.”
Dan Hylen, 39, an independent who abstained from voting last November, noted he viewed “both positive and negative” aspects of Mr. Trump’s performance so far.
“Certain government efficiency initiatives seem to be on the right track,” he expressed. “I support the idea of trimming excess.”
However, he criticized Mr. Musk’s “impulsive, erratic demeanor” and disagreed with Mr. Trump’s stance on Ukraine. “I’m not keen on being involved in every global conflict,” Mr. Hylen stated, “but I believe we need to assist others at times.”
Some expressed disapproval of Mr. Trump’s confrontational exchange with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Friday, where he vehemently admonished Mr. Zelensky for not showing adequate appreciation for the support the U.S. has provided in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
“It’s shameful,” commented Greg Wise, 53, a Democratic voter. “It undermines decades of goodwill with neighboring countries.”
Conversely, others perceived it as a clear demonstration of a foreign policy that prioritizes American interests.
“He’s proving we’re not to be trifled with,” asserted Tasha K., a Republican from Scottsdale who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns that her husband, a federal employee, might face backlash. “He has put America first, and that’s why we elected him.”
The mixed feelings towards Mr. Trump in the First Congressional District were evident not just in discussions with voters.
On Monday, Democratic organizations held a protest at a bustling intersection in the district, accusing Mr. Trump and the district’s Republican representative, David Schweikert, who recently supported a budget resolution proposing significant cuts to government spending, of neglecting community interests. Protesters waved signs that read “Fire Musk” and displayed images of a “missing” Mr. Schweikert on a milk carton. Many motorists honked in support, while others expressed their disapproval by rolling down their windows.
Nonetheless, in a competitive district where individuals with diverse political beliefs frequently interact, even some of the president’s staunch adversaries were open to recognizing positive aspects.
Nina Meixner, 71, described herself as a conservative who had supported former Vice President Kamala Harris last year due to her aversion to Mr. Trump’s personality. However, she found promise in his firm immigration policies and the tariffs he was enacting.
While Ms. Meixner was put off by the chaos she associated with Mr. Trump’s “business model,” she also acknowledged, “there are things that I appreciate.”