Zoë Blocher-Rubin, youth organizing lead for Yassamin Ansari’s congressional campaign, gives a Phoenix voter literature as the temperature climbs on Sept. 7.
Photographer: Caitlin O'Hara/BloombergRepublicans and Democrats Agree: Campaigning in Extreme Heat Is Brutal
Campaigns in Arizona and Nevada have been getting out the vote despite temperatures of 110F, with some canvassers wearing ice vests and neck fans to cool down.
The candidates vying to represent Arizona’s 3rd congressional district, which includes much of Phoenix, disagree sharply about climate change. Democrat Yassamin Ansari wants to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and embraces the overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity drives global warming. Republican Jeff Zink supports the US pulling out of the Paris climate accord in recognition of “divine control over Earth’s phenomena.”
But there’s no denying that the heat in Phoenix can pose a serious danger. Temperatures in the city have now topped 100F (38C) for more than 100 consecutive days. Both candidates have adjusted their campaigning plans to keep themselves and their teams safe.