Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to hold competing rallies just seven miles apart in the Milwaukee area on Friday night, part of a final push for votes in Wisconsin’s largest and crucial swing county.
Milwaukee, a Democratic stronghold and home to the state’s largest Black population, is essential for Democrats, while its surrounding conservative suburbs are key for Republicans. Trump aims to regain ground in these areas, crucial for his 2020 loss after previously winning Wisconsin in 2016. Harris is focused on maximizing Democratic turnout in the city, where 79% of voters supported Biden in 2020.
Angela Lang, founder of Milwaukee’s Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, noted Democrats are “anxious and cautiously optimistic,” with lessons learned from Hillary Clinton’s absence from Wisconsin in 2016. Unlike Clinton, Harris has visited the state nine times this cycle, five of which were in Milwaukee and nearby suburbs. Trump has also made 10 appearances, emphasizing his focus on the battleground.
In a late-stage appeal to Black voters, former President Bill Clinton joined local faith leaders on Thursday, while Harris’s rally in West Allis will feature Cardi B and performances from GloRilla, Flo Milli, MC Lyte, The Isley Brothers, and DJ GEMINI GILLY. Trump’s event, held downtown, will take place at the same venue as the recent Republican National Convention.
Milwaukee County Republican Party Chair Hilario Deleon highlighted the significance of Milwaukee County for both campaigns. Wisconsin Republican Party Chair Brian Schimming framed Harris’s return as defensive, with Trump focused on offense in the suburbs.
As absentee ballots continue to roll in, Milwaukee’s Election Commission estimates over 100,000 ballots will arrive by Election Day, though this trails early returns from conservative suburbs. Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler remains optimistic, hoping for last-minute turnout boosts. Mandela Barnes, former lieutenant governor, emphasized the importance of Election Day votes for Milwaukee Democrats, warning of challenges if turnout falls short.
This Milwaukee showdown may be the last stop in Wisconsin for both candidates before Election Day, with both parties preparing for a tight race over Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes. Four of the past six elections in the state have been decided by less than a point, underscoring Wisconsin’s critical role in the upcoming election.