As Vice President Kamala Harris returns to Pennsylvania on Wednesday, her campaign and supporters are directing their attention toward Republican voters in the state. Vice President Harris recently visited Erie, Pennsylvania, and plans to be back in the swing state soon. During her visit, Harris is scheduled for an interview with Bret Baier from Fox News. Her campaign efforts aim to engage discontented Republican voters in significant states such as Pennsylvania.
NPR’s Sarah McCammon explored the Philadelphia suburbs to observe these outreach initiatives. Brittany Prime, who has been conversing with women in similar positions—typically Republican voters uncomfortable with former President Donald Trump—highlighted the significance of the economy for moderate, center-right women. She emphasizes the necessity of reminding them that Trump may not be the ideal path forward.
Prime, with a background in Republican fundraising, did not support the party’s nominee in 2016. She founded Women4Us, an organization focused on persuading Republican women to oppose Trump and instead support Vice President Harris. Their efforts are concentrated on states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. During a meeting at a pizza parlor in Montgomery County, a suburban area of Philadelphia, Prime noted that some women are reluctant to share their voting choices with friends or spouses.
The Harris campaign is actively working to engage Republican voters disenchanted with Trump. Ann Womble, who became an independent upon Trump’s nomination in 2016, now co-chairs Republicans for Harris in Pennsylvania. Womble encounters voters who express relief and resonate with her concerns about Trump.
As part of these outreach efforts, the Harris campaign highlights endorsements from notable Republicans, including former Trump administration officials, national security, and military leaders, and former congresswoman Liz Cheney. At a recent Montgomery County event hosted by the super PAC DemocracyFirst, Cheney recounted the events of January 6.
Don Keyser, a 79-year-old lifelong Republican who attended to hear Cheney’s remarks, expressed regret over voting for Trump in the past and cited January 6 as a pivotal moment for him.
Predicting the impact of these outreach efforts on former Trump supporters such as Keyser is challenging. However, organizers remain hopeful, referencing former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s ability to garner significant support, including in Pennsylvania’s closed primary. Craig Snyder, director of Haley Voters for Harris, targets several million center-right voters in swing states, suggesting Harris still has potential to sway undecided voters.
Some Republicans supporting Harris acknowledge that many longstanding Republicans may ultimately back Trump. However, if Harris can attract even a small fraction of those voters, it could potentially sway the outcome in crucial states and, possibly, the election itself.
