Donald Trump is set to campaign in Wilmington, North Carolina, on 2024-09-21, highlighting the state's significance in the upcoming presidential election. North Carolina, known as the "Tar Heel State," boasts 15 electoral votes and has been a key battleground in recent elections.
The former president's visit comes amid controversy surrounding Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial nominee. Robinson, who has been a prominent surrogate for Trump in North Carolina, will not attend the Wilmington event following allegations of inappropriate online behavior. The GOP nominee has denied these claims, vowing to continue his campaign despite the controversy.
Trump's campaign has distanced itself from Robinson, focusing instead on the importance of North Carolina in their electoral strategy. The state, which Trump won by a narrow margin of less than 1.5 percentage points in 2020, is seen as crucial for both parties' paths to victory.
Wilmington, the largest city in southeastern North Carolina, is part of New Hanover County, which has a population of approximately 235,000. The county narrowly favored Biden in 2020, making it a key target for both campaigns.
Democrats have seized the opportunity to highlight the connection between Trump and Robinson, launching billboard campaigns and advertisements linking the two candidates. Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has released an ad emphasizing their ties and Robinson's support for a statewide abortion ban.
North Carolina's political landscape has been predominantly Republican in recent decades, with the GOP carrying the state in every general election since 1976, except for Barack Obama's victory in 2008. However, Democrats view the state as potentially winnable in the upcoming election.
The gubernatorial race has become North Carolina's most prominent down-ballot contest, with recent polls showing Robinson trailing Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the state's attorney general. This development could potentially impact other key races, including Trump's efforts in the state.
North Carolina's diverse economy, which includes agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors, adds to its political complexity. The state is home to Research Triangle Park, one of the world's largest research parks, and boasts a rich history, including being one of the original 13 colonies and the site of the Wright brothers' first successful powered flight in 1903.
Both Trump and Harris have made multiple visits to North Carolina, underscoring its importance in the electoral landscape. As the 9th most populous state in the U.S., with a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and a strong university system, North Carolina continues to be a focal point for both campaigns.
As the election approaches, the interplay between national and state-level politics in North Carolina will likely intensify, with the outcome potentially hinging on factors ranging from economic concerns to social issues and candidate controversies.