In the presidential elections of the past five decades, North Carolina has typically voted Republican, but this year it is considered a swing state. Both the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns are heavily investing in North Carolina, planning multiple events there on Saturday.
Donald Trump hosted an afternoon rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, a city with approximately 80,000 residents located near Charlotte. He plans another rally in Greensboro, the third-largest city in the state, later in the evening, and will return on Sunday and Monday, while also visiting other key swing states.
After holding an event in Atlanta earlier in the day, Kamala Harris traveled to Charlotte for a rally. She was joined by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, along with musicians Jon Bon Jovi and Khalid.
The state has been a target for the Democratic Party for years. Barack Obama’s 2008 victory marked the first time a Democratic presidential candidate won North Carolina since 1976. Although Obama lost the state narrowly in his 2012 reelection campaign, Trump carried it by three percentage points in 2016 and by one and a half points in 2020. The state’s changing demographics could improve Harris’s prospects.
The growth of the Research Triangle over the past 20 years has increased the number of college-educated voters in North Carolina, who tend to support Harris. The state’s Latino and Asian American populations have also increased significantly, and about 20% of voters are Black.
Despite these changes, Republicans have strong support among white voters without college degrees. They have also focused on outreach in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, predominantly conservative communities. Trump won 52% of the vote in these counties, rising to 63% when excluding the heavily-Democratic Mecklenburg County.
As the election approaches, Harris’s campaign plans to emphasize initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for all Americans. Harris stated that reducing the cost of living is a top priority. Her campaign is airing a television ad during NFL games, portraying her as a president for all Americans.
In contrast, Trump’s campaign concentrated on economic tariffs, immigration issues, and criticisms of Harris. On his platform, Truth Social, Trump disparaged Harris, labeling her as “a Low IQ individual.” At his rally in Gastonia, he reiterated his support for imposing the death penalty on immigrants who kill American citizens or law enforcement officers. Trump also defended his controversial stance on women’s protection, asserting his commitment to protect all individuals, including women and children, even if it provokes controversy.
NPR’s Sarah McCammon provided reporting from Gastonia, North Carolina.
