THE VILLAGES, Fla. (NewsNation) — Florida is shaping up to be a key battleground in the 2024 presidential election as Vice President Kamala Harris gains support in traditionally Republican strongholds.
Recent polling shows former President Donald Trump maintaining a lead over Harris in Florida, but the gap is narrowing. According to FiveThirtyEight, Trump leads Harris by 3.9 percentage points, 47.7% to 43.9%, with a little more than two months until the election.
Democrats are optimistic about their chances in November, while some Republicans urge caution.
“When you’re actually looking at the numbers and what’s happening on the ground, even with the slightest investment, it really is going to close these gaps and show that Florida continues to be a purple state,” said Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party.
Florida has trended Republican in recent years, with Trump winning the state in the last two presidential elections. The last Democratic presidential candidate to win Florida was Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.
In The Villages, a traditionally conservative retirement community, some residents now hold golf cart parades in support of Democrats. However, many voters remain committed to Trump.
“I’ve had Donald Trump before and he did an awesome job, so we’re going that way,” said Villages resident Patti Nail.
Some voters, like Steve Hesselgrave, an independent, remain undecided. “I voted for Biden last time and I am kind of disappointed the way the country went,” he said. “I am waiting to hear what Kamala has to say at the debate because I really don’t know anything about her.”
The economy remains the top issue for many Florida voters as both campaigns continue to vie for support in this crucial state.
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