Former President Trump is strategically making campaign stops in New Mexico and Virginia during the final week leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5. These two states, which were once key battlegrounds but have leaned blue in recent years, are now in focus for the Republican nominee's campaign.
On Halloween, Trump will visit New Mexico, a state he hasn't set foot in for five years. Despite limited polling data, recent surveys show Vice President Kamala Harris holding a lead over Trump, with one survey indicating a closer race for the state's electoral votes.
Virginia, on the other hand, has seen more attention from Trump, with a previous rally held in June. Trump is set to hold a rally in Salem, Virginia, aiming to capitalize on potential support in the conservative southwestern corner of the state. Polls show the Democratic presidential nominee leading by varying margins.
The decision to campaign in these states is driven by the belief that there are opportunities to sway voters who may have been neglected by the Democratic Party. The Republican National Committee emphasizes Trump's commitment to being a president for all Americans, including those in traditionally blue states.
However, critics argue that Trump's efforts may not yield significant results, with one Democratic Party spokesperson dismissing the visit to New Mexico as a waste of time. In Virginia, concerns have been raised about Trump's claims regarding a federal judge's ruling on voter rolls and allegations of election interference.
Political analysts suggest that Trump's rallies in Virginia may serve a broader narrative about illegal voting practices, aiming to appeal to a national audience rather than just Virginia voters. Despite differing opinions on the impact of these campaign stops, both New Mexico and Virginia remain crucial battlegrounds in the upcoming election.
