President Donald Trump held a high‑energy rally Wednesday at Laughlin Bullhead International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona, as early voting continues and less than three weeks remain before the Nov. 3 midterm election. Speaking to a packed crowd of Republican supporters, the president framed the upcoming vote as “the most important midterm election we ever had,” urging voters to keep the GOP in control of Congress.
Trump highlights administration achievements
During his hour‑and‑40‑minute address, Trump highlighted several policy successes he says have benefited Arizona. He praised the administration’s tax‑cut legislation and the “no‑tax‑on‑tips” rule that he claims puts more money in the hands of workers. He also touted the approval of new copper‑mining projects near Casa Grande and Phoenix, and took credit for attracting Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC to the Phoenix area, describing it as a boost to the state’s high‑tech economy.
Trump promised a $5,000 dividend for every adult American who votes Republican in the upcoming election, saying, “If you elect a Republican House and a Republican Senate on Nov. 3, you’re going to get $5,000.” He linked this promise to a “booming Arizona economy” and lower crime rates under Republican leadership.
Local candidates join the rally
Arizona Republican candidates shared the stage, including Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for governor against incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs; congressional hopeful Mark Lamb; secretary‑of‑state nominee Alexander Kolodin; and U.S. Reps. Paul Gosar and Abe Hamadeh. Biggs urged voters to eliminate the state income tax, cut regulation on Arizona businesses and “DOGE the heck out of Arizona,” while also encouraging early‑mail voting.
Former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather appeared onstage, praising Trump as “the best president twice.” The rally featured a chant of “Lock her up,” echoing past Trump campaign slogans.
Critics and counter‑claims
Gov. Hobbs responded on X, calling Trump’s insults “names” and reaffirming her commitment to putting Arizona first. She noted that “while he’s busy insulting me, his tariffs and the war in Iran are driving up costs for Arizona families.” Hobbs’ office also highlighted her recent actions to ease diesel and weight rules aimed at curbing rising fuel and food costs.
The president also revived doubts about Arizona’s election system, referencing a 2022 Maricopa County voting‑machine glitch that officials said was a technical malfunction, not a misreading of ballots. He claimed the incident was evidence of a “rigged election,” a characterization not supported by the election officials’ findings.
Upcoming campaign stops
After Bullhead City, Trump is scheduled to travel to Montana’s 1st District to support former aide Aaron Flint, a Republican candidate for the open House seat. The president’s “midterm blitz,” a term coined by White House press secretary Katie Zacharia, reflects his effort to counteract the historical trend of the president’s party losing seats in midterm elections.
Arizona remains a key swing state for the Trump administration, with the GOP holding a registration advantage in the state. Bullhead City sits in Mohave County, which gave Trump a nearly 56‑point margin in the 2024 presidential election, underscoring the region’s strong Republican leanings.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
