As Vice President Kamala Harris joins the presidential race, former President Donald Trump’s campaign is ramping up its advertising efforts, reflecting an exciting shift in the political landscape. Recent analysis shows that Trump’s allies have intensified ad spending in response to Harris’ entry, aiming to regain lost ground in crucial swing states.
Team Trump is now outspending Team Harris in four of the seven key battleground states, a significant change from earlier in the campaign when Democrats led advertising efforts. This surge comes as strategists anticipated heightened spending near the political conventions.
The state of North Carolina, previously favorable to Trump, has seen increased advertising activity from his allies following Harris’ announcement. This development highlights the evolving dynamics of the race.
Pennsylvania stands out with nearly $100 million in ad expenditures over the past month, making it the top state for campaign advertising, followed by Michigan at 54% less spending.
Despite Trump’s ad surge in specific states, national advertising efforts show Team Harris has outspent Team Trump by over $50 million in the past month, totaling $246.3 million compared to Trump’s $192 million. This disparity is largely attributed to Harris’ extensive online presence and campaign initiatives during significant events.
Since the beginning of the presidential cycle, over $1.6 billion has been spent on campaign ads, with Democrats investing $882 million compared to Republicans’ $721 million.
The Race to Define Harris
In a time when perceptions of Harris are still forming, advertisers are working to shape her public image. The top five most aired ads in the last month focus on defining who she is, totaling nearly $100 million in ad spending.
Democratic ads emphasize her personal background and accomplishments, while the campaign is also responding robustly to criticisms aimed at her record.
Fact-Checking the Ads
The most frequently aired ad, aired over 45,000 times, highlights Harris’ upbringing and working-class roots while addressing issues like health care and housing costs, alongside critiques of Trump’s tax policy.
Conversely, the highest-budget ad—valued at $25 million—targets Harris through a super PAC associated with Trump, criticizing her approach to immigration during her time as a prosecutor. However, some claims within the ad are misleading, with context that complicates the assertions made about her handling of individual cases.
As both campaigns navigate an increasingly competitive environment, the race for the presidency is heating up and will likely see further developments in strategy and spend in the coming weeks.
