Pennsylvania is emerging as a pivotal state in the upcoming 2024 election, drawing significant attention despite Vice President Kamala Harris' decision to choose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
The spotlight on Pennsylvania is evident as Harris is set to introduce her new running mate at a rally in Philadelphia today. Philadelphia, being the top media market for presidential ad spending in 2024, has witnessed substantial advertising investments. According to AdImpact data, a total of approximately $51.7 million has been spent on advertising in the Philadelphia market since the beginning of the year, surpassing all other media markets.
The ad spending in Pennsylvania has notably exceeded that of other battleground states, with a total of nearly $124 million being invested in advertising campaigns and outside groups from both parties. Democrats have outspent Republicans in Pennsylvania, with a margin of about $66 million to $57.8 million statewide.
Within Pennsylvania, Philadelphia leads in ad spending, followed by other key media markets such as Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, all ranking in the top 10 for presidential ad spending. The state's dominance in ad spending is evident as it surpasses Michigan, the battleground state with the second-highest ad spending, by a significant margin.
Overall, the 2024 election landscape is shaping up to heavily involve Pennsylvania, with substantial ad spending and strategic campaign efforts from both parties. The state's significance in the election narrative is underscored by the substantial investments made in advertising and political messaging, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral battleground.
