Donald Trump is making a bold move in the final days of the campaign, venturing into New Mexico and Virginia, two states that have not been carried by a Republican presidential candidate in decades. The former president’s team is banking on early voting numbers and hopes to be competitive against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in both states, particularly in New Mexico. While the battleground states of Arizona and Nevada are traditionally the focal point of presidential campaigns, Trump’s strategy is seen as a high-risk, high-reward approach.
Trump’s decision to campaign in New Mexico and Virginia is not without precedent. In 2016, Hillary Clinton’s late push into Arizona, a state that was not considered highly competitive at the time, was criticized for diverting attention from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, which ultimately decided the election. However, Trump’s team is hoping that a strong showing in these states could alter the trajectory of the campaign.
The visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico, is significant, as it brings Trump and his immigration stance to a border state with the nation’s highest concentration of Latino voters. With 44% of the voting-age population identifying as Hispanic, the campaign is targeting Hispanic supporters in this crucial demographic.
Donald Trump (Image via Getty)
In Virginia, Trump is likely to speak about the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing a purge of voter registrations aimed at stopping non-citizens from voting. The state’s Republican administration, led by Governor Glenn Youngkin, believes that Virginia is more competitive than previously thought, citing his own victory in the 2021 gubernatorial election. However, Susan Swecker, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, is confident that Trump’s visit will only widen Kamala Harris’ lead in the state.
Trump’s strategy is not without controversy, with some analysts questioning the wisdom of diverting attention away from more competitive states. However, Trump’s fervent supporters in these states argue that he has a strong connection with voters and can easily fill his rallies with enthusiastic supporters.
Ultimately, Trump’s decision to campaign in New Mexico and Virginia is a calculated risk that could pay off if he can tap into disaffected voters who may be open to his message. However, his opponents are quick to point out the risks involved and the fact that these states have trended strongly against Republicans in recent years.
