Harris Outpaces Trump’s Ground Game as Key Swing State Wisconsin Hangs in the Balance

 

In the crucial battleground state of Wisconsin, the ground campaigns for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are vying fiercely for undecided voters. On the University of Wisconsin campus, Democratic organizers are making headway, while Trump's efforts, led by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and Elon Musk's America PAC, may be losing ground.

On an October morning in Madison, Ty Schanhofer, an organizer for the University of Wisconsin’s student Democratic party, encountered Arin Mahapatra, a 21-year-old undecided voter from Illinois. Mahapatra’s main concerns—economic issues like gas prices and housing—echo those of many students, who will play a pivotal role in this swing state. Democratic organizers are optimistic about recreating the high youth turnout that in recent elections supported progressive causes like abortion rights.

However, Wisconsin remains a virtual toss-up. Its political landscape has shifted in recent years: rural areas lean Republican, while cities like Milwaukee and Madison are Democratic strongholds. Harris’s campaign has invested heavily in grassroots efforts across Wisconsin, particularly focusing on young voters. To that end, Democrats have seven full-time campus organizers and a dedicated youth coordinator to mobilize students and first-time voters.

In contrast, the Trump campaign has outsourced much of its ground game to external groups like TPUSA and America PAC. The Trump campaign strategy has focused on rural, low-propensity voters, seeking to draw support from groups less likely to vote otherwise. Although the approach is being touted as innovative, some analysts question its effectiveness. Brandon Scholz, a former GOP strategist, voiced doubts about whether these groups could match the Democratic ground operation, noting concerns about the absence of robust voter lists and targeted outreach.

While Democrats in suburban counties are working to reduce Republican margins, Republicans hope to chip away at Democratic support in liberal hubs. For example, in Ozaukee County, where Democratic influence has gradually increased, the local Democratic chapter knocked on 25,000 doors by October, aiming to flip more of the electorate.

As November 2024 approaches, the success of these efforts will likely hinge on turnout. With both parties pouring resources into Wisconsin, the battle for every voter’s support could decide who wins the state—and potentially the White House.