Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is expressing optimism about competing for Florida’s 30 electoral votes in the upcoming presidential election. During a New York City fundraiser, second gentleman Doug Emhoff underscored the campaign’s dedication to making an impact in the state, despite past defeats to Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. He noted the excitement generated during recent campaign stops, indicating that the team is ready to put significant effort into Florida.
Historically, Florida has been a Republican stronghold, with Democrats achieving only five presidential victories since 1952. However, Democratic National Committee Chairman Jamie Harrison believes this election cycle presents a unique opportunity, especially with pivotal issues like abortion on the ballot. Harrison urged party members not to overlook Florida’s potential for a surprising outcome on election night, emphasizing the importance of maintaining enthusiasm among supporters.
Donald Trump
Despite the hopeful messaging from Harris’ campaign, current polling data presents a challenging scenario. According to FiveThirtyEight’s averages, Harris is trailing Trump by 3.6 percentage points, mirroring Biden’s narrow defeat in Florida in 2020. RealClearPolitics suggests an even larger gap, with Trump leading by 6 points, and forecasts indicate a strong chance of his victory in the state.
Nonetheless, some signs suggest Republicans may be vulnerable. A recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll revealed Trump’s lead shrinking to just 5 points, raising alarm within the Florida Republican Party. This shift indicates that both parties are gearing up for a highly competitive election, as they seek to mobilize their bases in this critical battleground state.
Harris appears to be making gains among female voters, a crucial demographic for the election. One poll found her with a 10-point lead over Trump in this group, which could influence overall voter sentiment. In response, GOP officials remain confident in Trump’s strong support, asserting that Florida will remain loyal to him and predicting a clear victory in November.
