Kamala Harris’ campaign is emphasizing its strong presence in the crucial 'Blue Wall' states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan as part of its electoral strategy for the upcoming November election. The campaign is underscoring the value of Harris’ new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, particularly in rural areas within these states.
During their campaign efforts in Wisconsin, the Harris-Walz team is showcasing their extensive organization, which includes over 600 coordinated staff members spread across the three pivotal states. An additional 150 staffers are set to join in the near future, according to a memo released by Dan Kanninen, the Harris-Walz battleground states director.
Here is a breakdown of the campaign's infrastructure in each state:
- Wisconsin: 48 coordinated offices in 43 counties, with 32 offices located in counties won by Trump in 2020. The state boasts 160 full-time coordinated staffers.
- Michigan: Since Harris assumed leadership of the Biden campaign, there have been over 9,000 new volunteer signups. The campaign has nearly 200 coordinated staff members on the ground and operates 50 field offices.
- Pennsylvania: The state has close to 300 coordinated staffers and 36 field offices.
As the public becomes more familiar with Tim Walz, Kanninen highlighted his background and accomplishments, describing him as someone who has consistently advocated for working families throughout his career. Walz's diverse experience as a governor, congressman, football coach, veteran, and high school teacher positions him as a relatable figure to various voter demographics.
Notably, Walz's success as a congressman in a red district was emphasized, with Kanninen pointing out that he consistently outperformed national Democrats in his House district, even in counties that supported Trump. This achievement is seen as a model for narrowing the margins in rural areas nationwide.
The campaign intends to leverage Walz's appeal to rural voters by focusing his messaging efforts in these regions. Kanninen affirmed the campaign's commitment to engaging with voters across all areas, with Governor Walz playing a pivotal role in connecting with rural communities and working to minimize Republican support in these areas.
