Harris campaign aims to win in Michigan suburbs.

The Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has set its sights on Michigan, specifically targeting the suburban vote as a key pathway to victory in the upcoming elections. Historically a Republican stronghold, the suburban voting bloc has shown signs of shifting left in recent years, making it a prime target for the Harris-Walz campaign.

According to a memo obtained by CBS News, the campaign is confident in its ability to flip Michigan’s 15 Electoral College votes by capitalizing on former President Donald Trump’s perceived weaknesses among women and White, college-educated voters. In the 2020 election, President Biden narrowly defeated Trump among suburban voters nationwide, but Trump maintained a slight edge in the Michigan suburbs.

The Harris campaign attributes the shift in suburban voter preferences away from Trump to a variety of factors, including the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision on abortion rights, the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the conservative Project 2025 policy blueprint, and Harris’ economic proposals. Chris Wyant, a senior campaign adviser in Michigan, emphasized the campaign’s appeal to suburban voters who have drifted away from Trump over the past four years.

Wyant highlighted the significance of the suburban vote, noting that it has emerged as a substantial opportunity for the campaign. He praised the campaign’s efforts to engage with these voters and expressed optimism about Harris’ chances in the state.

As part of the campaign strategy, Vice President Harris will be making multiple visits to Michigan, focusing on key suburban areas such as Grand Rapids and Detroit. These visits, along with the presence of her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, underscore the campaign’s commitment to winning over Michigan voters.

A September New York Times/Siena poll indicated that Harris holds a lead over Trump among suburban voters in Michigan, with a significant advantage among women voters. The campaign’s outreach efforts have also resonated with White college-educated voters, further bolstering Harris’ support in the state.

However, some Michigan Republicans remain skeptical of the Democrats’ confidence, particularly regarding the impact of abortion rights on the race. Despite the passage of Proposal 3 in 2022, which enshrined the right to abortion in Michigan’s constitution, Republicans argue that the issue may not be as salient to suburban voters as the Democrats believe.

Black voter turnout in cities like Detroit and Flint also plays a critical role in Harris’ strategy for Michigan. The campaign has been actively engaging with Black voters through targeted policies and outreach efforts, aiming to replicate the levels of support seen in the 2020 election.

Michigan’s Arab-American and Muslim community presents another variable that could influence the election outcome. Issues such as the Biden-Harris administration’s response to conflicts in the Middle East have prompted some Democratic voters to express dissatisfaction. Harris has met with leaders from the Arab-American and Muslim communities to address concerns and garner support.

Both the Harris and Trump campaigns are intensifying their efforts in Michigan, with a keen focus on key issues that resonate with voters. The outcome of the election in Michigan may ultimately be determined by the shifting dynamics of the suburban vote, Black voter turnout, and the engagement of diverse communities within the state.