Trump thinks he will win a Democrat state after 36 years
It’s been more than thirty years since a Republican emerged victorious in New Jersey during a presidential election. The last Republican to achieve this feat was then-Vice President George H.W. Bush, who secured the state in the 1988 election, eventually clinching the White House. Since then, Democrats have consistently triumphed in New Jersey for eight consecutive presidential elections.
Nevertheless, former President Donald Trump is optimistic about overcoming the significant challenge posed by the usually Democratic-leaning state. In a local radio interview on New Jersey 105.1, Trump expressed his determination, stating, “We’re going to try and win the state of New Jersey. I want the people to know that I love it. You know, it’s not just going to be like, gee, maybe we can get close. We’re going to win it.”
Trump firmly believes that New Jersey, widely considered a Democratic stronghold, has the potential to shift its political allegiance towards the Republican party. The former President made these remarks on the eve of his return to the Garden State, where he is set to hold a massive rally in Wildwood, New Jersey.
Wildwood, located at the southern tip of the Jersey Shore, falls within Cape May County, known for its Republican leanings within the historically blue state of New Jersey. Trump previously held a rally in Wildwood in January 2020; however, he ultimately lost New Jersey by 16 points to President Biden in the 2020 election.
Despite his efforts to turn the state red, Trump faces a legal battle in New York City during the weekdays, marking the first instance of a former or current president standing trial in a criminal case. However, Trump’s commitment to challenge the Democratic dominance in New Jersey remains unwavering.
On the contrary, Democratic leaders do not seem swayed by Trump’s prospects in New Jersey. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, serving as a Biden surrogate, dismissed Trump’s assertion by stating that “Jersey is not going to be a welcoming place for Trump.” Similarly, Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler emphasized the campaign’s focus on securing the requisite 270 electoral votes, rather than diverting attention to Trump’s efforts in New Jersey.
As the political landscape in New Jersey undergoes a potential shift, the upcoming rally in Wildwood signifies a pivotal moment in Trump’s endeavor to reshape the state’s political dynamics. With both Republicans and Democrats gearing up for a fierce electoral battle, the outcome of the 2024 election in New Jersey remains uncertain, posing a significant test for Trump as he strives to defy the state’s long-standing Democratic streak.
