Trump rallies in Democratic states/ Trump in Virginia/ Trump New Mexico rally/ Newslooks/ ALBUQUERQUE/ N.M./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Donald Trump is making unexpected campaign stops in New Mexico and Virginia in the final days before the election, targeting states that haven’t backed a Republican presidential candidate since 2004. Trump’s rallies in Albuquerque and Salem reflect his push to expand the GOP’s map, driven by high early voting turnout and hopes of sweeping key swing states. Both states present unique demographic and political challenges as Trump seeks to gain ground against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
Trump Targets Democratic New Mexico, Virginia in Late Campaign Push: Quick Look
- New Campaign Stops: Trump will hold rallies in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Salem, Virginia, aiming to make inroads in Democratic-leaning states.
- Optimistic Strategy: Buoyed by high early voter turnout and polling in battlegrounds, Trump’s team believes they could be competitive in these states.
- New Mexico Focus: With a significant Latino population, New Mexico presents an opportunity for Trump to appeal on immigration and border issues.
- Virginia’s Political Shift: Virginia, once a battleground, has leaned Democratic but remains competitive, according to local Republican leaders.
- National Implications: The stops showcase Trump’s “America First” message and attempt to capture media attention as Election Day nears.
Trump Targets Democratic States New Mexico, Virginia in Final Campaign Stretch
Deep Look
Donald Trump is taking his campaign on an unexpected detour to New Mexico and Virginia in the final days before the 2024 election, stepping outside of the seven battleground states traditionally expected to decide the race. His campaign team hopes these last-minute rallies could resonate with specific voter bases in these Democratic-leaning states, where a Republican hasn’t won a presidential election since 2004.
On Thursday, Trump will rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before heading to Salem, Virginia, on Saturday. His campaign remains focused on Arizona and Nevada, but they are optimistic that a strong performance in both states, combined with growing early voting numbers, could give him an edge in other regions. New Mexico, in particular, could shift if Trump wins in neighboring battlegrounds Arizona and Nevada.
In recent months, the “must-win” battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina have been flooded with campaign ads and candidate visits, making Trump’s excursions to less competitive states all the more noticeable. For Trump’s supporters, his appearances in these traditionally Democratic states are exciting events, even if they are unlikely to flip the states. Recently, Trump has also made appearances in solidly Democratic New York and California, underscoring his campaign’s push for widespread media coverage and connection with voters who might not closely follow political news.
Trump’s decision to focus on New Mexico highlights his emphasis on border security and Latino voters, who make up about 44% of the state’s voting-age population. New Mexico’s Hispanic population, some of whom have roots tracing back to Spanish and Mexican settlers, has been an influential part of the electorate, with immigration and border security serving as hot-button issues. Trump’s rally could also impact a hotly contested congressional race in Albuquerque, where Republicans aim to preserve their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In addition to the congressional race, Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich is running for re-election against Republican Nella Domenici, daughter of long-time Republican Senator Pete Domenici. Republicans hope that Trump’s visit could energize voters for down-ballot races, particularly as immigration issues continue to dominate New Mexico’s political discussions.
Meanwhile, Virginia, once a regular swing state, has trended Democratic in recent years, particularly with growing populations in the Northern Virginia suburbs. Trump lost Virginia to Hillary Clinton in 2016 and to Joe Biden in 2020, but Virginia’s Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, has indicated that the state could be more competitive than expected. Youngkin cited his 2021 gubernatorial win as evidence, noting that Virginians are eager for “strength back in the White House.”
Trump is likely to discuss a recent Supreme Court decision supporting a purge of non-U.S. citizens from voter rolls in Virginia, a move upheld by the state’s Republican administration. Youngkin expressed optimism about the ruling and believes Trump’s rally will motivate Republican-leaning voters. “Virginia is far more competitive than any of the pundits would have believed,” Youngkin said on Wednesday night.
However, Trump’s late-stage trips to New Mexico and Virginia carry risks. Many political analysts recall how Hillary Clinton’s decision to campaign in Arizona rather than spending more time in key battlegrounds like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania ultimately may have contributed to her loss in 2016. Trump’s critics argue that his choice to rally outside of the essential swing states could reflect an unfocused strategy, but Trump’s campaign maintains that the goal is to broaden his reach and build enthusiasm nationwide.
Political consultant Bob Shrum, who has worked on multiple Democratic campaigns, voiced skepticism about Trump’s approach. “I think he insisted on doing it. It makes no sense,” said Shrum, who directs the Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California.
Trump’s late push also brings attention to third-party candidates, including independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who remains on the ballot in New Mexico. Kennedy, who had withdrawn from the race and endorsed Trump, continues to have visible support, with campaign signs seen across New Mexico’s capital, Santa Fe. Though Kennedy’s endorsement was a boost for Trump, many in the state remain wary of Trump’s past policies.
In Virginia, Democrats maintain a strong lead in advertising spending and voter mobilization, outpacing Republicans as they aim to solidify Harris’s support. “Kamala Harris will win Virginia convincingly,” said Susan Swecker, chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, who predicted that Trump’s visit would ultimately work against him. “Any visit from this deranged lunatic will only widen the margin,” she remarked.
The final days before Election Day will see both campaigns intensifying their efforts in swing states, while Trump’s rallies in Democratic areas may draw additional media attention. Trump and Harris are each pushing to capture undecided voters, and the impact of these last-minute campaign stops will become clearer as Election Day approaches.
