Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to visit opposite sides of Pennsylvania on Monday as they vie for the state’s critical 19 electoral votes.
Harris will hold a rally in Erie, while Trump will conduct a town hall near Philadelphia, marking another effort by both candidates to attract voters in this major swing state.
This will be Harris’ 10th trip to Pennsylvania, while Trump has been making frequent stops, including recent visits to Scranton and Reading. Key issues like energy policies and natural gas fracking are expected to play a significant role as both candidates seek to win over undecided voters in a state known for its electoral volatility.
Trump’s narrow win in Pennsylvania in 2016 and Biden’s slim victory in 2020 highlight the state’s importance, with both parties preparing for a tough battle in 2024.
A recent New York Times poll indicates that Harris is facing “dangerously low” support among Hispanic voters, with 56% backing her compared to 37% for Trump in a hypothetical matchup. This marks a decline from the 62% support Biden received from Hispanic voters in the 2020 election.
Support for Harris drops to 54% when factoring in third-party candidates like Cornel West, Dr. Jill Stein, and Chase Oliver. The poll, conducted from September 29 to October 6, surveyed 902 Hispanic voters.
Trump’s appeal among Hispanic voters has grown, particularly regarding immigration and economic issues, especially after Biden announced he would not seek reelection in July. While Harris has regained some support among Hispanic voters since stepping in for Biden on the Democratic ticket, she has not yet matched Biden’s 2020 levels.
The poll also reveals an increase in Trump’s support among Black voters, rising from 9% in 2020 to 15% now. This trend poses additional challenges for Harris as she campaigns for the presidency. Polls by CBS and Fox News in August reported Trump receiving 17% and 26% of Black voter support, respectively, indicating a significant increase compared to previous election cycles.
