Donald Trump's presidential campaign has quietly altered its strategy, withdrawing resources from three previously targeted states following a surge in support for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
According to The Guardian, the Republican candidate has reduced efforts in Minnesota, Virginia, and New Hampshire, states he had confidently claimed he could win when Joe Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee.
The tactical shift comes as recent polling data suggests these states may now be out of reach for Trump. The campaign has instead chosen to focus its resources on a smaller number of battleground states, particularly the "blue wall" states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, which were crucial to Biden's victory in 2020.
Trump's campaign has significantly adjusted its resource allocation, moving funds and attention away from states that were once considered potential flips. The focus has now shifted to states deemed critical for securing an Electoral College victory in November.
Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, has become a primary target for the Trump campaign. A recent CNN poll shows that Trump and Harris are tied at 47% each in the state, underscoring their importance in the upcoming election. Additionally, the campaign is intensifying efforts in North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona - Sun Belt states where Trump's previously substantial leads over Biden have narrowed since Harris became the Democratic nominee.
Maga Inc., a Super PAC supporting Trump, has invested $16 million in advertising in North Carolina alone. This substantial expenditure comes as polls indicate Harris is close to drawing even in a state that Democrats have only carried once in presidential elections since 1980.
The shift in campaign strategy marks a significant change from the optimism displayed at the Republican National Convention in July. At that time, Trump's campaign team spoke confidently about winning Minnesota, Virginia, and New Hampshire, all of which have been carried by Democrats in recent presidential elections.
An internal Trump campaign memo, drafted before the June debate in Atlanta, had outlined potential pathways for Trump to win Minnesota and Virginia. The campaign's optimism was partially based on the presence of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose campaign was initially thought to pose a greater threat to Biden.
However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically since then. Harris replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee and chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, bolstering local support. Additionally, Kennedy has suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump, further altering the electoral calculus.
The ascension of Kamala Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket has had a profound impact on the race. Her nomination has energized Democratic supporters, leading to a surge in popularity that has given her a small but consistent national poll lead.
Harris's campaign has also experienced a significant boost in fundraising, raising $540 million in August alone. This financial advantage has allowed the Democratic campaign to expand its operations and advertising efforts in key states. Lou Gargiulo, the co-chair of Trump's campaign in New Hampshire, commented on the shift in focus: "This election is going to be won in those seven swing states. That's where the effort's got to be put."
The statement reflects the Trump campaign's recognition of the need to concentrate resources on a narrower set of battleground states where the race remains competitive.
The reallocation of resources by the Trump campaign signifies a recognition of the changing electoral map. States that were once considered potential pickups are now being deprioritized in favor of defending traditionally competitive swing states. This strategic pivot also highlights the impact of Harris's nomination on the race. Her presence on the ticket has not only solidified Democratic support in some states but has also put pressure on Trump in areas where he previously held advantages.
