President-elect flips longtime Republican bastion; AP and Fox called the state on Nov. 4, but many viewed the race as remaining close for days

Joe Biden pauses while speaking to supporters in front of an Arizona state flag, at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America's training center, on October 8, 2020, in Phoenix. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP)
Joe Biden pauses while speaking to supporters in front of an Arizona state flag, at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America’s training center, on October 8, 2020, in Phoenix. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP)

 

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden has won the state of Arizona, US networks declared late Thursday, further cementing his lead in the Electoral College and flipping the state Democratic for the first time since 1996.

NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN declared Biden the winner in the tight race with a lead of more than 11,000 ballots, giving him the state’s 11 electoral votes.

Fox News and The Associated Press called the race in the southwestern state in Biden’s favor on Election Night, triggering the wrath of President Donald Trump, but the other outlets held off on declaring a winner.

Arizona gives Biden a 290-217 lead over Trump in the Electoral College that ultimately decides the presidency, with 270 needed to win the White House.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump hold flags as they demonstrate in front of the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on November 7, 2020. (Olivier Touron/AFP)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump hold flags as they demonstrate in front of the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on November 7, 2020. (Olivier Touron/AFP)

 

Despite Biden being declared winner of the election on Saturday, Trump has refused to concede and continues to make baseless claims of election fraud.

Races in North Carolina and Georgia have yet to be called.

Bill Clinton was the last Democrat to win Arizona in a race for the White House.

As reported by The Times of Israel