Trump campaign opens new offices in Minnesota and Virginia.
The Trump campaign is making bold moves in traditionally Democratic strongholds like Minnesota and Virginia, signaling a shift in strategy that could potentially shake up the electoral map come election day. According to an internal campaign memo obtained exclusively by CBS News, the campaign is ramping up its ground game by securing leases for multiple offices in these key states.
Under the banner of “Trump Force 47,” a collaboration between the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee’s grassroots volunteer canvassing program, the campaign is setting up eight offices in Minnesota and eleven campaign offices in Virginia. This expansion comes with the hiring of new staff dedicated to managing the ground game efforts in these states, and the formation of dedicated teams to drive the campaign’s message forward.
The memo, authored by James Blair, the Trump campaign’s political director, outlines the strategic importance of flipping Minnesota and Virginia. By targeting these states, the campaign aims to open up “at least 12 additional pathways to 270,” a crucial milestone in the quest for electoral victory.
Internal campaign polls have reportedly shown a weakening favorability for President Biden in both Minnesota and Virginia. This, coupled with Trump’s notable gains among Black and Hispanic voters, has emboldened the former president’s ambitions to turn these blue states red once more.
While Minnesota has not swung Republican since Richard Nixon’s victory in 1972, Trump came close in 2016 when he narrowly lost to Hillary Clinton. In Virginia, no Republican presidential candidate has claimed victory in over two decades, with President Biden securing a double-digit win in 2020.
Nevertheless, Trump’s determination to compete in these historically Democratic states is evident. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, recently met with Trump to discuss strategies that could bolster support for the former president in the state. Youngkin shared polling data suggesting that Trump remains competitive against Mr. Biden in Virginia, fueling optimism within the Trump camp.
Trump’s campaign strategy in Minnesota and Virginia has not gone unnoticed by the Democratic National Committee. They have allocated significant resources to fortify their position in Minnesota, investing around $500,000 in various campaign initiatives. The Biden campaign, too, has six field offices in Virginia and has been actively engaging in grassroots events as part of their outreach strategy.
In response to Trump’s focus on traditionally blue states, the Biden campaign remains steadfast, with spokesperson Caroline Stonecipher stating, “If Trump wants to spend his time and money trying to campaign in blue states, be our guest.” The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown between the two contenders, with Trump scheduled to visit Virginia shortly after the first presidential debate with Mr. Biden.
As the election cycle heats up, all eyes are on the battlegrounds of Minnesota and Virginia, where a fierce battle for electoral dominance is underway. With strategic maneuvers and a commitment to expanding their ground game, the Trump campaign is setting the stage for a showdown that could reshape the political landscape come election day.
