Harris targets Polish Americans in key battleground states for 2024

In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying efforts to engage Polish American voters, particularly in battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This demographic, while not large, holds significant sway in closely contested elections. Harris aims to leverage Polish Americans' historical opposition to Russia, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, contrasting her stance with that of Donald Trump, who has been criticized for his reluctance to support Ukraine. During a recent debate, Trump’s ambiguous position on Ukraine raised concerns among Polish Americans, prompting Harris to assert that a Trump presidency could jeopardize Ukraine and, by extension, Poland's security. She emphasized the potential threat to Poland if Ukraine were to fall to Russian aggression, a sentiment echoed by community members who view Trump's past relations with Putin as dangerous. Harris's outreach includes visits to key states where Polish Americans reside, aiming to solidify support by addressing their concerns about Eastern European security. Meanwhile, Trump is also courting this demographic, planning a visit to a Polish American shrine in Pennsylvania, coinciding with the unveiling of a monument to the Solidarity movement. The competition for Polish American votes highlights the broader struggle between the two candidates, with each attempting to present themselves as the stronger ally for Poland and Ukraine. The outcome in these states could be pivotal in determining the election's result, making the Polish American community a focal point for both campaigns.