US President Donald Trump urged Arizona voters to support Republican candidates in the November elections, attacking Democrats over their response to his State of the Union address and backing Rep. Andy Biggs in the race for governor.Speaking at a rally in Bullhead City on Wednesday, Trump criticised Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs and called on Republicans to win elections across the state. He also urged supporters to vote in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.“On election night, Arizona is going to prove that America does not belong to those who hate it,” Trump said. “America belongs to those who love, love, love, love, love it.”Biggs, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, called on the crowd to support the party’s candidates across the ballot.“Vote Republican top to bottom,” he said. “Let’s turn Arizona red.”
Trump revisits State of the Union confrontation
Trump’s criticism of Democrats centred on their response to his February 24 State of the Union address, when he challenged lawmakers to affirm that the government’s first responsibility was to protect American citizens rather than undocumented immigrants.Republicans stood in response, while many Democrats remained seated. Trump returned to the episode at Wednesday’s rally, accusing Democrats of failing to acknowledge veterans and other guests recognised during the speech.“Not one Democrat smiled or clapped,” he said. “And that’s when I looked at them, and I said, ‘You people are crazy.’”“But that’s what we have,” Trump added. “They’ll destroy our country.”During the speech, the President awarded the Medal of Honour to retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, who was 100 at the time, and recognised World War II veteran George “Buddy” Taggart. The confrontation over standing occurred during a separate appeal for lawmakers to prioritise the protection of American citizens.Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said he stood to recognise the honoured guests, including veterans.Trump also attacked Hobbs personally, describing the governor as a “low IQ individual”. Biggs is seeking to unseat her in the election.
Trump urges support for Republican candidates
The rally featured several other Republican candidates seeking office in Arizona. Trump endorsed Sine Kerr, a former state senator selected by Biggs in July as his running mate for the newly created position of lieutenant governor.He also backed Republican secretary of state candidate Alex Kolodin, calling him “a warrior for election integrity” while criticising Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes.Trump praised Republican Reps. Paul Gosar, Abe Hamadeh and Eli Crane, describing Hamadeh and Crane as “warriors”. He also urged voters to support congressional candidate Mark Lamb in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, calling him a friend.The event included a tribute to Kirk, whom Trump said would have turned 33 on Wednesday. The president described the conservative activist as “a great person, a great man, a great friend of mine”, as supporters chanted his name.Trump also expressed support for Kirk’s widow, Erika, and their family before urging voters to make the election a tribute to the activist.“In Charlie’s honour, we want you to go out and vote,” Trump said. “He’d be out there fighting like nobody else. So, let’s have a big victory in honour of Charlie Kirk.”