ASHEVILLE — As the 2024 presidential campaign progresses, North Carolina is taking center stage as a crucial swing state. In the last week, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have made significant campaign stops, underscoring the state’s importance in the upcoming electoral contest.
Trump made appearances in Asheville last week and Asheboro on Wednesday, while Harris spoke in Raleigh on Aug. 16. These high-profile visits highlight North Carolina’s status as a must-win state for both campaigns.
The significance of North Carolina in presidential politics has grown in recent elections. In 2020, Trump narrowly carried the state with 49.93% of the vote compared to Joe Biden’s 48.59%. This razor-thin margin of victory was even slimmer than Trump’s 2016 win when he secured 49.83% of the vote to Hillary Clinton’s 46.17%.
Recent polling data from RealClearPolitics shows a tight race in North Carolina, with an average lead of 1.2 points for Trump over Harris. Individual polls vary widely, with some showing Harris ahead by as much as 2 points, while others have Trump leading by up to 9 points. This volatility in polling data suggests North Carolina remains very much in play for both parties.
The contrasting nature of the candidates’ events was evident in their recent visits. Trump’s Asheville rally on Aug. 14 drew a capacity crowd of more than 2,000 to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, with many more supporters waiting outside, unable to gain entry. Attendees had begun lining up in the early morning hours, demonstrating the enthusiasm of Trump’s base in the state.
In contrast, Harris’s event in Raleigh on Aug. 16 was a more intimate affair, primarily composed of invited supporters and members of the press. While smaller in scale, the vice president’s visit emphasized the Democratic campaign’s commitment to competing vigorously in North Carolina, and she announced some major policy initiatives.
Both candidates focused their speeches on national issues rather than state-specific concerns, reflecting the broader themes of their respective campaigns. Trump continued to emphasize economic issues and border security, while Harris highlighted her vision for an “opportunity economy” and plans to lower the cost of living for American families.
As the election approaches, North Carolinians can expect to see more visits from both candidates and their surrogates. Campaign events are typically announced only a few days in advance, keeping supporters and the media on their toes. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns are well-funded and expected to pour significant resources into advertising and organizing efforts in North Carolina, as well as in other battleground states across the country.
The intense focus on North Carolina by both campaigns underscores the state’s potential to be a kingmaker (or queenmaker) in the 2024 election. With its 16 electoral votes and recent history of close contests, North Carolina represents a significant prize for either candidate.
As the campaign season heats up, voters in North Carolina will find themselves at the center of the national political conversation. The frequency of high-profile visits and the deluge of campaign advertising are set to increase, reflecting the state’s pivotal role in determining the next occupant of the White House.
With just over two months until Election Day — and absentee and early voting starting sooner than that — the battle for North Carolina’s hearts and minds is well underway.
