Democratic Party vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz is poised to hold a fundraiser in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct. 5.
Despite Ohio's Republican leanings, the event -- to be held in Sen. JD Vance's hometown, is viewed as important by local Democrats hoping to sway voters in the crucial swing state, as the Independent reports.
Walz’s planned appearance in Cincinnati follows closely on the heels of the first and only vice-presidential debate, scheduled for next Tuesday. Though Ohio has consistently voted for Republicans in recent presidential elections, Walz’s visit represents an attempt to mobilize Democratic support in a state with 17 electoral votes. Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney expressed excitement about the event, saying local Democrats had worked hard to make it happen.
Ohio has become a reliable Republican state in recent years, having voted for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. Recent polls show Trump ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris by 10 points in the state, adding weight to the challenge Walz faces. Yet local Democrats are optimistic that Walz’s visit will energize voters and provide a boost for their efforts.
According to Kearney, local Democrats raised over $1 million to secure Walz's appearance. In comparison, they had previously needed to raise $1.5 million to host Vice President Harris. While the details of the fundraiser remain under wraps, it is expected to be a private event aimed at donors, rather than a public rally. However, future public events are being planned as part of a broader strategy to engage Ohio voters.
"For us, we wanted either Vice President Harris to come or Governor Walz to come. They said, 'OK'...I think that’s huge,” Kearney said, emphasizing the significance of the vice presidential nominee's decision to visit Cincinnati.
The timing of the fundraiser is significant, coming just days after the first and only vice-presidential debate, which will take place on Oct. 1. The debate, hosted by CBS News, will be watched closely, especially given the competitive nature of the 2024 election. Walz has been preparing for the debate with the help of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has been playing the role of Vance during mock debates.
For his part, Vance has enlisted Republican Rep. Tom Emmer (MN) to portray Walz in his debate preparations. Vance, who became a U.S. senator at the beginning of 2023, has deep roots in Ohio, having grown up in Middletown and now residing in Cincinnati. The proximity of the fundraiser to his home adds a layer of interest to the political dynamics surrounding the event.
When asked about his debate preparation, Vance indicated that he and his team are confident. "We have well-developed views on public policy, so we don’t have to prepare that much," he remarked, signaling that he is ready for the upcoming showdown with Walz.
While the event is private, Cincinnati Democrats are enthusiastic about the possibilities it presents. "It’s going to be exciting and it’s going to be wonderful,” Kearney said, expressing her hopes that the fundraiser will be the start of a broader effort to turn out Democratic voters in Ohio. Kearney also confirmed that a public rally is in the works, aimed at reaching a wider audience and building momentum in the final stretch of the campaign.
Ohio’s 17 electoral votes are seen as crucial to both parties in the 2024 election, despite the state's recent trend toward the Republican column. The outcome in Ohio could have significant implications for the broader national race, especially with Trump maintaining a strong lead in polls over Harris.
In addition to the importance of Ohio's electoral votes, Walz’s visit highlights how both parties are working to shore up support in key battleground states. The Democrats are looking to make inroads in traditionally red areas, while Republicans are aiming to solidify their dominance in states like Ohio.
As the vice-presidential debate draws near and Walz’s fundraiser approaches, both sides are preparing for an intense final push leading up to Election Day. The outcome in Ohio remains uncertain, but both Walz and Vance are ready to make their case to voters.
