In recent presidential elections, North Carolina has predominantly supported Republican candidates. However, this year, the state is considered a competitive battleground. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have made significant investments in their campaigns within the state and are scheduled to hold multiple events over the weekend.
Donald Trump held a rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, which is located near the state’s largest city, Charlotte, and has a population of approximately 80,000. He is also scheduled to host another rally in Greensboro, North Carolina’s third-largest city, known for its historic textile and furniture industries. Trump plans to return to North Carolina on Sunday and Monday, though he will also visit other swing states during this period.
After holding a rally in Atlanta, Kamala Harris traveled to Charlotte for an event featuring North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and musicians Jon Bon Jovi and Khalid.
The Democratic Party has long been interested in North Carolina, considering Barack Obama’s victory in 2008, which marked the first time a Democratic presidential candidate won the state since 1976. Even though Obama narrowly lost the state in 2012, changing demographics could enhance Harris’ chances. Trump won North Carolina by three percentage points in 2016 and by a point and a half in 2020. However, the rapid growth in the Research Triangle, which encompasses North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has resulted in an increase in college-educated voters, who tend to favor Harris. Additionally, the Latino and Asian American populations have grown, and about one in five voters in the state is Black.
Republicans, on the other hand, enjoy strong support from white voters without college degrees and have also focused on reaching out to communities affected by Hurricane Helene. According to an NPR analysis, Trump received 52% of the vote in the areas designated for disaster assistance by FEMA, with his support reaching 63% when excluding Mecklenburg County, a Democratic stronghold.
As the election nears, Harris plans to highlight her specific proposals to improve the lives of Americans, a message conveyed in a two-minute television ad scheduled to air during NFL games on Sunday. Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’ campaign chair, expressed optimism, noting that undecided voters seem to be leaning towards Harris.
Conversely, Trump has centered his messages on economic tariffs, immigration, and criticism of Harris. In a recent social media post, Trump disparaged Harris, and during a rally in Gastonia, he reiterated his support for the death penalty for migrants involved in crimes against Americans. Additionally, Trump addressed his stance on protecting women, suggesting that his actions, though controversial, are intended to safeguard everyone.
The coverage of these developments included contributions from NPR’s Sarah McCammon, reporting from Gastonia, North Carolina.
