With important battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in play, Donald Trump‘s choice to visit California—a Democratic stronghold—just weeks before Election Day may seem questionable. However, despite his likely loss in the state, the former US president has strategic reasons for going to Coachella, a city east of Los Angeles.
Trump, who lost California by a big margin in 2020, still secured over 6 million votes—more than any previous GOP candidate.His visit connects with a large group of supporters, which could help gather volunteers for phone banks and campaign efforts in key states.
Tim Lineberger, former communications director for Trump’s 2016 Michigan campaign, explained the logic behind Trump’s move. “He’s coming here and activating this big population of Trump supporters,” said Lineberger, calling it “an aggressive, offensive play”, as quoted by the Associated Press.
California is also a major source of campaign funds. Trump will be fundraising at the Coachella event, where photos with him are priced at $25,000, offering special seating for two. A “VIP Experience” is priced at $5,000.
While Trump is unlikely to change the state’s outcome on November 5, the visit serves other purposes. California boasts the country’s second-largest media market in Los Angeles which will ensure extensive coverage. The rally is also seen as a “get-out-the-vote” effort for congressional races in the state, which could determine control of the House. Republican consultant Tim Rosales noted, “It’s a get-out-the-vote type of thing that motivates and energises Republicans in California.”
Trump’s long-standing feud with California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom is expected to take centre stage. Newsom, who has frequently clashed with Trump, predicted the former president would denigrate the state while ignoring its strengths. “You know, that’s not what Trump is going to say,” Newsom said.
Republican Party chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson wants to hear Trump explain how his agenda is different from that of the Democratic White House. She said, “The Democratic White House has left Californians less safe and with less money in their pockets.”
While some believe Trump’s visit won’t change California’s strong Democratic support, others think he has bigger goals. Jim Brulte, former chairman of the state GOP, said Trump aims to achieve winning the popular vote. “There are more registered voters in California than there are residents in 46 of the other 49 states,” Brulte said.