Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Wisconsin on Tuesday, marking her first trip to a battleground state since securing the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge Donald Trump. This visit signifies a new phase in the 2024 race, characterized by a more energetic campaign style compared to President Joe Biden's recent approach.
Within a span of two days, Harris managed to secure enough commitments from Democratic National Convention delegates to effectively secure the nomination after Biden's withdrawal. Additionally, her campaign raised over $100 million from 1.1 million donors, reflecting a surge in support from first-time contributors and revitalizing the Democratic base.
Wisconsin, along with Pennsylvania and Michigan, is one of the crucial 'Blue Wall' states that played a pivotal role in Biden's victory. Harris has visited Wisconsin five times this year and nine times since assuming the vice presidency, indicating the state's significance in the electoral strategy.
While the focus remains on the traditional battleground states, there is speculation about potential paths to victory that include Sun Belt swing states like Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Georgia. Harris is considering a diverse list of vice presidential candidates, with names like Roy Cooper, Mark Kelly, Andy Beshear, and Josh Shapiro being floated.
The vetting process for the running mate is being handled by former Attorney General Eric Holder and his law firm, Covington & Burling. Auditions for the role are underway, with candidates like Beshear already engaging in sharp rhetoric against GOP figures.
Expectations in Wisconsin
Top Wisconsin Democratic officials, including Governor Tony Evers and Senator Tammy Baldwin, have endorsed Harris and will join her during the visit. The campaign boasts a robust infrastructure with 48 coordinated offices in 43 counties and 160 full-time staffers in Wisconsin.
Since Harris announced her candidacy, the campaign has witnessed a surge in volunteer sign-ups, with over 58,000 individuals expressing interest in contributing. Harris has already started framing her campaign against Trump, highlighting her experience in law enforcement and vowing to confront wrongdoers.
As the campaign intensifies, Harris's visit to Wisconsin underscores the strategic importance of battleground states and sets the tone for a dynamic electoral contest ahead.
