Vice President Kamala Harris, Tim Walz arrive in Phoenix as part of battleground tour
PHOENIX - Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her newly-selected running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, arrived in Phoenix on Aug. 8, a day before their campaign event in Glendale.
The Aug. 9 campaign event is being held at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale's Westgate Entertainment District, and it's going to be a full house as no more people can register.
Harris has been on a battleground state tour this week with Gov. Tim Walz, who she introduced as her new running mate at a rally in Philadelphia.
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly was in the mix to be Harris' running mate before she picked Walz.
Harris, Walz arrive in Phoenix
2024 Election: VP Kamala Harris arrives in Phoenix
FOX 10's Ellen McNamara has the latest as Vice President Kamala Harris touches down in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday ahead of a campaign rally with her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. They'll be at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Friday, Aug. 9.
Vice President Harris arrived at Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix around 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. Gov. Tim Walz has also arrived, but not in Air Force 2 with Harris.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Rep. Greg Stanton greeted Harris as she came off the plane.
"I think that Kamala Harris matches Arizona perfectly," Mayes said.
"I've known the Vice President for over 20 years," Stanton said. "We were in a leadership development program together. I really respect her, so why wouldn't I be here? Of course."
Mesa Mayor John Giles, a Republican who supports Harris, said, "She's a very inspirational person. A wonderful background story and very impressive. I was, today, very impressed just by how personable she was, how charming she was."
Mayes brought her daughter, Hattie, to witness Harris' arrival.
"My daughter doesn't like to go to many political events, but she wanted to come to this one because we just witnessed the first female President of the United States. That's what I think we have in Kamala Harris. I also think she's a role model for all girls and women in this country."
As for Friday's rally, Democrats say the contrast between former President Donald Trump and Harris will be made clear for Arizona voters.
"You'll see a very, very different style, very different priorities for the vice president. I think the American people are going to realize that this vice president is a strong candidate for President of the United States."
Mayes agrees.
"The difference between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is the difference between chaos and sanity and incredible competency as well," the AG said.