Trump’s Wisconsin Blitz: A Race for Votes in a Key Battleground
MADISON, Wis. – In a state that’s known for its nail-biting elections, former President Donald Trump is making his fourth campaign stop in just eight days, highlighting his intensified efforts as Republicans grow increasingly anxious about the upcoming showdown against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. With just weeks until the election, Trump’s strategy appears to be focused on rallying support in a state that has seen its fair share of political drama, and where he previously triumphed in 2016 by a razor-thin margin.
Scheduled for 2 p.m. Central time this Sunday, Trump’s latest rally in Juneau, Dodge County, promises to be a showcase of his enduring popularity. Notably, Dodge County was a stronghold for Trump in 2020, where he secured an impressive 65% of the vote. Jack Yuds, chair of the county’s Republican Party, shares a sense of optimism about Trump’s support: "I can’t keep signs in," he exclaimed. "If it says Trump on it, you can sell it."
However, despite pockets of fervent support, the atmosphere is charged with tension. With Wisconsin’s history of fluctuating loyalties—it has voted Republican only once in the last 40 years—Republicans are keenly aware of the importance of enthusiasm and turnout. Trump edged out Hillary Clinton by fewer than 23,000 votes in 2016 but narrowly lost to Joe Biden by just under 21,000 votes in 2020. Suzanne Scholz, a retired Republican strategist, candidly voiced the concerns within the party: "In the political chatter class, they’re worried."
Meanwhile, Trump is working hard to reach even the hardest-core Democratic areas. His first-ever visit to Dane County, home to Madison—renowned for its liberal leanings—underscores his campaign’s commitment to a comprehensive strategy. Biden won more than 75% of the vote in Dane County four years ago, making it a target for Trump as he seeks to neutralize the Democratic base. Former Governor Scott Walker, a prominent Republican figure, emphasized the need for a "72-county strategy" to secure victory statewide.
As both campaigns heat up, financial backing is crucial. Trump’s campaign and its associated groups have heavily outspent Harris and her allies on advertising in Wisconsin, $35 million to $31 million since Harris declared her candidacy in July. But with Harris making headlines by engaging with moderate Republicans in pivotal areas—like holding an event in Ripon, the birthplace of the GOP—she’s ensuring that her campaign maintains a visible presence across the state.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Both campaigns are focused on the critical swing states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, which form part of the "blue wall" that Biden managed to reclaim from Trump. Chris LaCivita, a senior advisor for Trump, acknowledged the tough road ahead, citing Wisconsin as a tough state. However, he expressed confidence in their organizational efforts, claiming they are significantly better positioned than they were in the previous election cycle.
Polls suggest a dead heat between the two candidates, with voter enthusiasm high on both sides, making it clear that every visit counts. Mark Graul, who previously led George W. Bush’s campaign in the state, emphasized the importance of rallies, but also noted the critical nature of getting infrequent voters to the polls.
As the race for the Badger State heats up and Trump takes the stage once again, both sides are aware that each vote matters more than ever in this pivotal battleground state. And as history has shown, Wisconsin could very well be the key to unlocking a path to victory in the 2024 presidential election.
