High-profile visits underscore push to turn North Carolina blue
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks alongside Regan (left) and Lyles (right). Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and EPA Administrator Michael Regan were in North Carolina Thursday to galvanize swing state voters on the first day of early voting.
Why it matters: The high-profile visits underscore Democrats' hopes to stifle former President Trump's chances in a must-win state.
The big picture: A large voter turnout in blue Mecklenburg County could swing North Carolina from right to left. Historically, despite Mecklenburg's size, turnout has been abysmally low compared to the rest of the state.
- This year may be different as the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party raised more than $2 million, compared to $152,000 in 2020, The New York Times reports.
- Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles quipped Thursday that she's competitive and would like North Carolina to beat Georgia in early voting turnout.
- Charlotte has the potential to be as important to the Democratic party as Atlanta if it can pull in the numbers.
What they're saying: Speakers hit the usual talking points for the Harris campaign, including reproductive rights and tying Trump to Project 2025.
- "They want to put America in reverse," Newsom said, adding that he couldn't believe North Carolina's new photo ID law. "They want to bring us back to a pre-1960s world."
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which western North Carolina is still recovering from, the officials also addressed climate change.
- A Harris administration would put climate at the forefront with a focus on reducing emissions and advancing green energy initiatives, Axios' Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen write in the Behind the Curtain column. But its success and expediency would depend on which party controls Congress.
- "We do not need a climate denier in the White House," Regan said. "There are lives at stake."
State of play: The event was held at a campaign office in Charlotte's West End, not far from Johnson C. Smith University. Regan — a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, the country's largest HBCU — highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris' support of historically Black colleges.
- "I'm not quite sure Trump knows what an HBCU is," Regan said.
The big picture: Harris has visited North Carolina 19 times this election cycle. "She understands our needs," Regan said.
- Trump will be in Concord on Monday to meet with faith leaders. He rallied in Wilmington a few weeks ago.
Zoom in: During the press conference, Mayor Lyles called out North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, saying it would be "devastating" if he and Trump were elected.
- Robinson is under fire for allegations he called himself a "Black Nazi" and made other incendiary comments on a porn message board, a CNN report unveiled.
- The Trump campaign has since tried to distance itself from Robinson.
What's next: Early voting is underway through Nov. 2.
- Election Day is Nov. 5.