Arizona independents in play as Biden pushes big Intel investments

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks, as he announces a preliminary agreement with Intel for a major CHIPS and Science Act award, during a visit to the Intel Ocotillo Campus, in Chandler, Arizona, U.S., March 20, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's move on Wednesday to pump $19.5 billion into Intel's expanding chip-making business could pay dividends with a critical part of the American electorate his Democrats need to win over: independents in the swing state of Arizona.

The move will create thousands of jobs in the Southwestern border state that is expected to play a critical role in determining the Nov. 5 elections for president and Congress. Recent polling shows the economy as Arizona voters' No. 2 concern after immigration.