Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are hitting the campaign trail once again with a two-day bus tour of Georgia starting Wednesday. This marks their first joint campaign appearance since the recent Democratic convention.
The tour aims to engage voters in parts of Georgia that are often overlooked by Democratic politicians. Additionally, it will feature Harris’ first major network interview since securing her party’s presidential nomination, set to take place on Thursday.
The focus on Georgia highlights its importance in the current election cycle, with President Biden having narrowly won the state in 2020.
According to campaign officials, Harris and Walz will begin and end the tour in Savannah, making stops in various urban, rural, and suburban communities, particularly those with significant Black voter populations and working-class families.
“This area is a priority for the campaign with nearly 50 full-time staff across seven offices in South Georgia,” said the state director for the Harris campaign. “This will be the first time a presidential candidate has campaigned in Savannah since the 1990s.”
A Strategy to Reach Swing State Voters
Savannah, while predominantly Democratic, is surrounded by Republican strongholds, making the duo’s campaign approach especially significant in an effort to sway voters.
“The goal is to overperform,” noted a political scientist. “Campaign efforts need to extend beyond strongholds to areas historically less receptive to Democrats.”
In Georgia, where Republican voters still outnumber Democrats, achieving better margins in traditionally Republican areas is crucial for a successful campaign.
Investments in Georgia by Both Campaigns
Political investments reflect campaign confidence in Georgia. Harris has received significant support, with her campaign spending nearing $23 million on positive advertising to introduce her to voters, while Trump’s campaign has allocated around $33 million primarily to negative messaging.
The Harris campaign recently launched its first “contrast” ad targeting Trump, connecting him to the unpopular conservative Project 2025, ensuring heavy play in Georgia and other swing states.
Furthermore, the Harris campaign has established 24 offices throughout Georgia, even in traditionally Republican areas, and has mobilized 35,000 new volunteers since her campaign launch.
Trump also made a recent appearance in Georgia, indicating the high stakes involved in winning the state. Polling suggests the race remains tight, especially with Harris at the forefront, as highlighted by Biden’s narrow victory in 2020.
This week, Trump’s campaign is ramping up efforts, with plans for volunteer phone banking across the state, emphasizing their extensive ground organization.
Upcoming Television Interview for Harris and Walz
During the tour, Harris and Walz will participate in their first joint television interview, which will be broadcast on Thursday night.
In an effort to maintain control over her campaign message, Harris has relied on prepared remarks through teleprompters, but the upcoming interview presents an opportunity for more unmoderated dialogue. This shift may bring questions regarding her past stances and current policies.
With the Trump campaign eager to capitalize on any opportunity to challenge Harris, the upcoming interview represents a critical moment as they seek to push their messaging and gain traction.
