Kamala Harris Fills Milwaukee Arena as She Targets Key Battleground State

MILWAUKEE — Kamala Harris has made a strong push to win over Wisconsin after impressing Democrats in Chicago. On Tuesday night, she filled Fiserv Forum with over 15,000 supporters, marking her third visit to Wisconsin since her campaign started. This choice of venue, which hosted the GOP convention in July, highlights the state’s importance in the election.

Wisconsin is a key battleground state for Democrats. After Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016, which was partly due to not campaigning there, Harris is determined not to make the same mistake. She aims to strengthen the Blue Wall states, including Wisconsin, which Biden narrowly won four years ago.

Paul Maslin, a Democratic pollster, emphasized Wisconsin’s crucial role, stating that both sides are fighting hard for it. Harris’s campaign is facing a tight race with just 11 weeks left until the election. While Chicago’s convention featured notable speakers like Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, Harris focused on campaigning in swing states like Wisconsin.

Harris addressed the crowd in Milwaukee, speaking about freedom and criticizing Trump’s stance on Roe v. Wade. The rally was strategically placed to allow Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to travel easily between events. The campaign’s efforts in Milwaukee also aim to make up for the missed opportunities during the 2020 virtual convention.

Despite increased engagement in Wisconsin, the state remains a tough challenge. Biden won it by only 20,000 votes in 2020. Harris needs high turnout in Milwaukee and its suburbs, especially among young voters and people of color. Local residents, like Cheryl Jackson, feel Democrats have previously neglected the city.

Independent voters in northern Wisconsin and Milwaukee suburbs will be crucial. The Harris campaign hopes that Walz’s appeal will help attract blue-collar workers and independent men, who have been difficult for Democrats to win over recently.