In a seemingly telling move, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign canceled $2 million worth of advertising in North Carolina, signaling a possible strategic retreat in the state. Initially planning a $2.7 million ad blitz in key markets, Harris’ campaign adjusted spending just a week before Election Day. The decision comes as Harris plans a rally in Raleigh, where she holds a narrow lead.
Statewide polling shows a close contest in North Carolina, with Harris and President Donald Trump tied at 47%. Trump holds a strong lead in western North Carolina and coastal regions, while Harris is ahead in the Raleigh-Durham area. Both candidates will be in the state on Wednesday for campaign events.
on Monday the Harris-Walz campaign reserved $2.7 million worth of ads in North Carolina for the last stretch of the campaign, only to turn around and kill more than $2 million of its reservations on Tuesday.https://t.co/0KCPjoStl7
— Amicus Curiae (@AmicusCuri99068) October 31, 2024
Early voting in North Carolina has shown significant Republican momentum. Dr. Andy Jackson from the Civitas Center at the John Locke Foundation observed that GOP turnout has risen by 9,000 voters, while Democratic turnout has decreased by more than 340,000 compared to 2020. These trends are impacting the early vote, with over 3 million ballots cast statewide.
In addition to the overall turnout drop, Democrats are facing decreased support among young and Black voters. The Carolina Journal reported that early voting among Black voters has declined by over 40,000, and young Democrats are down by 37,000 votes. By contrast, young Republicans are showing consistent turnout levels from 2020.
Kamala Harris campaign has given up on North Carolina and moving resources to Virginia.
Early voting data shows Trump could take Virginia.
Explained here
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) October 31, 2024
Why would one person in #NorthCarolina vote blue?
Why would you vote for #Harris or any #Democrat.
My God, #Harris just sent $43 million to #Ukraine. https://t.co/HZmfASaDCP
— Alaskagirl (@Alaskacryptogi1) October 30, 2024
As both Harris and Trump make their final appeals to voters, the shift in early voting suggests potential challenges for the Democrats in a crucial battleground state. With Election Day approaching, North Carolina’s outcome could play a pivotal role in the overall election results.
