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Tim Walz Targets GOP Stronghold in Pennsylvania as Key Battleground Emerges

Tim Walz campaigns in central Pennsylvania, aiming to attract traditionally conservative voters by promoting Kamala Harris as a unifying candidate for all Americans. Shifts in voter demographics are making areas like Harrisburg key battlegrounds in this election.

Lead Art: Harris Walz campaign signs sit in front of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 31. | Angelina Katsanis/POLITICO

Campaigning in a Traditional GOP Stronghold

Democratic campaigner Tim Walz, promoting Kamala Harris’s presidential candidacy, made a notable stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This conservative-leaning area has historically seen little focus from Democratic candidates, particularly when compared to other Pennsylvania hubs like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley.

Shifting Demographics in Pennsylvania

Suburban growth and demographic shifts in Harrisburg’s Dauphin County are contributing to a leftward trend, decreasing the GOP’s dominance. Nearby Cumberland County, one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing regions, also reflects this shift. Although Donald Trump won Cumberland by a significant margin in 2016, his lead there narrowed by 2020, showcasing potential gains for Democrats in traditionally GOP territory.

Strategic Importance of Central Pennsylvania

Walz’s campaign stop is part of a broader Democratic strategy to pare down GOP margins in central Pennsylvania. Success in this area could bolster Democratic chances in tightly contested races, such as the 10th District, where Republican Scott Perry’s seat could be the Democrats’ top pickup opportunity in the state.

Rallying Call for Pennsylvania Voters

Addressing supporters at a diner, Walz emphasized Pennsylvania’s influential role in national elections. He encouraged local voters, stating, “How about Pennsylvania win this for America,” underscoring the state’s potential impact on the broader national political landscape.

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