Trump’s Lead Shrinking In Southern State

Former President Donald Trump is gearing up for a key campaign event in North Carolina as Vice President Kamala Harris intensifies her efforts in the state. This rally, scheduled for Wednesday evening in Asheville, aims to highlight the economic challenges faced by Americans under the current administration.

Trump’s campaign has criticized the Harris-Biden administration for its economic policies, pointing out the significant rise in living costs. According to Trump’s team, prices in North Carolina have surged over 21% since Harris and Biden took office, resulting in a staggering $24,937 additional expense for families since 2021. The campaign argues that these figures underscore the administration’s failure to address the financial strain on hardworking citizens.

Recent polling data suggests a tightening race in North Carolina, a state where Trump previously had a more comfortable lead. Before President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign, Trump was leading by 6 percentage points, according to New York Times polling averages. However, a Morning Consult-Bloomberg survey from late July indicates Harris has narrowed the gap, trailing by just 2 percentage points.

While Trump still maintains a lead in the Real Clear Politics average of recent polls—showing a 3.2-point edge over Harris—this is a decrease from his previous 5.4-point advantage over Biden. This shift reflects a growing momentum for the Harris campaign in North Carolina.

Trump has been actively focusing on North Carolina throughout his 2024 campaign. He has made multiple appearances in the state, including a significant rally in Charlotte following Harris’s entry into the presidential race in July. Additionally, Trump spoke at the North Carolina Republican Party State Convention in Greenville in June and participated in NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in May, marking a historic moment as the first sitting or former president to attend the event.

Trump also hosted a Get Out the Vote rally in Greensboro on March 2, although he had to cancel a subsequent event in Wilmington due to weather issues. Meanwhile, Harris has been equally active, visiting North Carolina at least seven times this year, underscoring the state’s importance in the upcoming election.

Trump’s previous victories in North Carolina during the 2016 and 2020 elections highlight the state’s significance in his 2024 strategy as he continues to battle for every vote.