Former President Donald Trump is ramping up his campaign efforts in Minnesota, a historically Democratic-leaning state that he believes could be within his grasp this election year. Trump is scheduled to host a rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota, accompanied by his running mate JD Vance, as they anticipate a potential matchup against Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November election.
During a recent GOP fundraiser in St. Paul, Trump expressed confidence in his ability to secure victory in Minnesota. He specifically targeted the iron mining region in northeast Minnesota, aiming to sway blue-collar and union workers towards the Republican party after years of Democratic allegiance. Trump's campaign views Vance, an Ohio senator with ties to the Rust Belt, as instrumental in appealing to Midwesterners and union members.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, has also emerged as a potential running mate for Harris, given his appeal to Midwestern voters and union workers. In the 2016 presidential election, Trump came close to defeating Hillary Clinton in Minnesota, falling short by just 1.5 percentage points. However, in 2020, Joe Biden secured a more decisive victory over Trump, winning by over 7 percentage points.
Despite these recent Democratic victories, Trump remains optimistic about his prospects in Minnesota. His campaign has identified the state as a battleground where Trump's appeal surpasses that of Biden. The campaign has been actively recruiting staff and establishing offices in Minnesota, with plans to open eight offices across the state.
Recent developments have seen Republican candidate Tayler Rahm withdrawing from a primary race to join Trump's campaign as a senior adviser in Minnesota. The Trump campaign's national press secretary highlighted the perceived vulnerabilities of the Biden/Harris administration, suggesting that even traditionally Democratic states like Minnesota are now in play for Republicans.
In response, the Harris campaign's communications director in Minnesota dismissed Trump and Vance as being out of touch with the state's values. She emphasized the Democrats' strong organizational efforts and volunteer base, expressing confidence in Harris's ability to connect with Minnesotans and secure their support in the upcoming election.
