Trump and Vance Target Minnesota in 2024 Campaign Push

Former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance are set to visit St. Cloud, Minnesota, on Saturday, marking a significant campaign stop in a state that has not supported a Republican presidential candidate in over five decades. The announcement comes as Trump’s pollster, John McLaughlin, suggests that Minnesota could be competitive in the upcoming election, indicating a potential shift in voter sentiment. Vance, who was recently announced as Trump’s running mate, is expected to resonate with Midwestern voters, bolstering Trump’s chances in the state. Despite Trump’s loss to President Biden in Minnesota by approximately 7% in 2020, recent polling indicates a tightening race. A June poll showed Trump trailing Biden by just 4%, with some polls even suggesting a tie. The Real Clear Politics polling average currently shows Trump with a narrow lead, reflecting a growing interest in Minnesota as a battleground state for the 2024 election. The campaign is also eyeing Virginia as another potential win. Trump has emphasized Vance’s Midwestern roots as a strategic advantage in appealing to Minnesota voters. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump highlighted his commitment to American workers and farmers across several key states, including Minnesota. The campaign’s optimism is further fueled by recent polling data, which shows Trump gaining ground in a state long considered a Democratic stronghold. The Minnesota visit comes amid a rapidly evolving political landscape, with President Biden announcing his withdrawal from the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. This development has prompted Democrats to consolidate support around Harris, adding another layer of complexity to the upcoming election.