CQPolitics

The 3rd, which encompasses a large chunk of northern Phoenix and the hills and suburbs north of the city, is Arizona’s least minority-influenced district. Still, while 79 percent of its residents are white, the district is changing with the rest of the state as the number of Hispanics increases.

Northern Phoenix is home to many new, large planned communities, including North Gateway Village — 45 square miles of what was mostly open land approximately 25 miles north of downtown Phoenix. Significant population growth has caused the political dynamics of the northern part of the district to fluctuate. Young liberal professionals moving into planned communities such as New River are mixed with conservative residents in such areas as the large community of Anthem.

Many of the state’s most affluent and politically active residents live east of Phoenix in the posh community of Paradise Valley, where the median household income is more than $150,000. The town is exclusively zoned for single-family residential use and collects no property taxes.

Overall, most district voters consistently support economically and socially conservative candidates at the local and federal levels. George W. Bush captured 58 percent of the presidential vote here in 2004. Democrats are concentrated in the southern part of the 3rd, where the district extends to downtown Phoenix.

Resorts and tourist attractions provide many district jobs, but the economy relies on manufacturing companies, including producers of semiconductors, electronics and aerospace equipment. Aerospace manufacturer Honeywell, which has locations throughout the area, is one of the district’s largest employers. The 3rd also is home to the Mayo Clinic Hospital, and health care accounts for a significant portion of the district’s economy.

Major Industry

Technology, manufacturing, electronics, health care, construction

Cities

Phoenix (pt.), 603,604; Paradise Valley, 13,664; New River, 10,740

notable

Locally brewed Cave Creek Chili Beer has a pepper in every bottle; Carefree is home to a sundial that locals call one of the largest working sundials in the Western Hemisphere.