Kamala Harris is currently leading Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, according to polling averages from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics. Despite being ahead in most polls, recent surveys have shown Trump and Harris tied in the state. Pennsylvania has voted Democrat in seven out of the past eight presidential elections, making it a key battleground state with 19 electoral votes. Nate Silver noted that Harris saw weak numbers in Pennsylvania following the Democratic National Convention, potentially making her an underdog in the upcoming election.
With Pennsylvania being a crucial swing state, both Harris and Trump are actively campaigning in the state. Trump is set to visit Johnstown for a rally with a focus on energy policies and attacking Harris, while Harris and President Joe Biden will be visiting Pittsburgh on Labor Day. Trump has been highlighting past events in the state, including an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler County, to appeal to voters. Harris recently announced her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, at a rally in Philadelphia with support from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Polls in Pennsylvania show that Harris is leading among independents, Gen Z voters, Hispanic individuals, and college-educated voters. On the other hand, Trump is ahead among voters over 65, non-college-educated voters, and white voters. The state has a track record of close presidential elections, with Trump winning by a narrow margin in 2016. The state’s 19 electoral votes make it a crucial element in determining the outcome of the November election, with 538 identifying it as the most likely tipping point state to secure 270 electoral votes.
Both campaigns are aware of the importance of winning over Pennsylvania voters, with Trump and Harris making frequent campaign stops in the state. Trump has been touting his energy policies and attacking Harris for being “liberal and incompetent,” while Harris has been focusing on uniting voters and highlighting her running mate’s qualifications. Pennsylvania voters will play a key role in deciding the next president of the United States, with the state’s fluid political landscape and diverse demographics making it a significant battleground in the 2024 election.
