Tempe, AZ

Tempe, Arizona, has shifted noticeably to the left over the past decade, and if you’ve lived here as long as I have, you’ve felt it. The city now carries a Cook PVI of D+4, meaning it votes about four points more Democratic than the national average—a far cry from the purple-leaning swing town it used to be. While the city council and local ballot measures have increasingly embraced progressive policies, the surrounding suburbs like Chandler and Gilbert remain reliably conservative, creating a stark political contrast just a few miles down the road.

How it compares

Drive ten minutes south to Chandler or east to Gilbert, and you’re in a different world politically. Those communities have held steady with Republican majorities, even as Tempe has trended blue. In the 2024 election, Tempe’s precincts around Arizona State University’s campus voted heavily Democratic, while precincts near South Tempe and the border with Chandler leaned more conservative. The result is a city that feels increasingly divided internally, with policy decisions—like zoning changes and public spending priorities—often reflecting the louder, more progressive voices from the university area. If you value local control and limited government, you’ll notice that Tempe’s leadership has been more willing to experiment with new regulations, from housing mandates to environmental ordinances, that can feel like overreach to longtime residents.

What this means for residents

For families and small business owners, the shift has practical consequences. Property taxes have crept up as the city funds new transit projects and sustainability initiatives, and some residents feel their voices are drowned out by transient student populations who don’t stick around to see the long-term effects. The city council’s recent push for higher density housing near light rail stations, for example, has sparked debates about neighborhood character and traffic congestion. If you’re a conservative-leaning resident, you might find yourself voting more often against ballot measures than for them—a defensive posture that can be exhausting. On the flip side, the conservative strongholds in Chandler and Gilbert offer a nearby escape for shopping, dining, and community events where the political vibe is more aligned with traditional values.

What daily life is like for families

Day-to-day, Tempe still has plenty to offer—great parks, a solid school system, and a lively downtown—but the political climate can seep into unexpected places. School board meetings have become more contentious, with debates over curriculum and library books mirroring national trends. The city’s emphasis on “equity” initiatives in public programs has raised eyebrows among those who prefer a colorblind approach to governance. If you’re raising kids here, you’ll want to stay engaged and vote in local elections, because the direction of the city is still being shaped by a relatively small number of active voters. The good news is that the conservative suburbs are close enough to provide a counterbalance, and many Tempe residents simply cross city lines for services or community groups that better reflect their values.

Culturally, Tempe has always been a bit of an outlier in the East Valley—home to ASU, a vibrant arts scene, and a younger demographic. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the policy distinctions are real. The city has embraced bike lanes, light rail expansion, and renewable energy mandates faster than its neighbors, which can feel like government overreach if you prefer market-driven solutions. Looking ahead, I expect Tempe to continue its leftward drift as the university grows and new housing attracts more progressive transplants. For conservatives, the best strategy is to stay involved, support local candidates who prioritize fiscal responsibility and individual freedoms, and remember that the rest of the East Valley still offers a more traditional Arizona lifestyle just a short drive away.