Former President Donald Trump made a notable campaign stop in the Bronx, a traditionally Democratic stronghold in New York City. His focus was on appealing to Black and Hispanic voters, demographics that heavily supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election but are showing signs of warming up to Trump according to recent polls.
Despite Biden winning 83% of the Bronx vote in 2020 and carrying the state, Trump expressed confidence in his ability to potentially win New York this time around, contingent on a fair election process. He highlighted issues such as crime, congestion pricing, and bail reform as areas where Democratic leadership in New York has fallen short.
Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis echoed Trump's sentiments, emphasizing the need for fair elections in New York while acknowledging past instances of voter fraud. She pointed to recent Republican victories in the Bronx and other parts of the state as evidence of growing discontent with one-party Democratic rule.
Malliotakis cited concerns over rising energy costs, inflation, and public safety as key issues driving Republican support in New York. She criticized President Biden's policies for exacerbating these problems and highlighted the Republican agenda of promoting lower energy costs, reduced inflation, secure borders, and safer streets.
The discussion also touched on Trump's questioning of election results in New York, with Malliotakis expressing confidence in the state's voting system despite isolated incidents of voter fraud. Both Trump and Malliotakis emphasized the potential for Republicans to make significant gains in New York by offering an alternative to the current Democratic leadership.