Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made a campaign stop in western Pennsylvania on Sunday, ahead of the Democratic National Convention. This visit comes amidst a flurry of campaign activity in the Keystone State, with former President Trump also holding a rally in Wilkes-Barre earlier in the day.
Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is a crucial battleground state that both parties are vying to win. Recent polls show a tight race in the state, with neither side having a clear advantage.
The importance of Pennsylvania is evident as both campaigns have been focusing their efforts on the state. Harris chose Philadelphia as her first battleground state stop after announcing Walz as her running mate, while Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, are set to hold separate events in the state on Monday.
In the 2020 election, Pennsylvania, along with Michigan and Wisconsin, played a key role in Biden's victory, as he managed to win back these states by narrow margins. The upcoming election is expected to be closely contested once again.
The Harris campaign has emphasized its grassroots outreach and get-out-the-vote efforts in Pennsylvania, boasting a significant presence in the state with 36 coordinated offices. On the other hand, the Trump-Vance campaign is also investing heavily in the state, with both sides running extensive ad campaigns.
Pennsylvania is not only a key campaign stop but also the planned location for a debate between Harris and Trump on September 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This debate is likely to be a significant event in the lead-up to the election.
