The Trump campaign suggested Vice President Kamala Harris is faltering in two critical southern swing states — Georgia and North Carolina — as early voting trends suggest Republicans are outperforming Democrats.
The campaign says that the Harris team’s strategy, initially centered on spreading a message of unity and joy, is losing ground in regions vital to securing a Democratic victory in 2024, the New York Post reported.
Tim Saler, a grassroots data consultant, pointed out that the most significant early voting days have already passed with minimal Democratic impact in both states.
“Republicans have taken the lead in North Carolina early voting, something we’ve never seen at this point in previous cycles,” Saler said, according to the Post. He noted that the GOP now holds a narrow edge in early votes compared to a 10-point Democratic advantage at the same stage in 2020.
The shift is especially troubling for Harris, given that Black voter turnout — traditionally a Democratic stronghold — is showing signs of decline.
In Georgia, early voting figures reveal that African-American voters now represent 26% of the ballots cast, a noticeable drop from 29% at the same time in 2020. Similarly, public polling indicates Trump is making inroads with Black male voters, securing over 20% support in recent surveys.
Georgia’s turnout remains high, with 40% of eligible voters already participating — a record-breaking figure at this point in the election cycle. However, the increased turnout appears to be diluting the share of votes from core Democratic constituencies, further complicating Harris’ path in the Peach State.
In North Carolina, where Barack Obama was the last Democrat to win in 2008, the GOP’s 1-point lead in early voting is being closely watched.
Saler noted, “This Republican momentum signals a weakening Democratic hold on early voters, and it could spell trouble for Harris as Election Day approaches.”
With polls showing Trump narrowly ahead in both states, the pressure is on for Harris to reignite enthusiasm among voters in the final stretch.
Meanwhile, Trump’s team is confident their efforts are paying off.
“The numbers are on our side,” Saler told the Post. “And we’re seeing a trend that favors Republicans as early voting progresses.”
The article was written with assistance from artificial intelligence.