Staff Reports
President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is making strategic moves to set up field offices in Republican-leaning counties in key swing states. The campaign is aiming to have a total of 200 offices and 500 staffers in place by the end of the month, with an emphasis on battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
The campaign’s focus on opening offices in rural Republican-leaning counties reflects their recognition of the importance of engaging with voters in these areas. These states were historically known for their Democratic support, but were won by former President Donald Trump in 2016. However, the campaign is determined to secure victories in these states to ensure Biden’s reelection.
President Joe Biden's campaign team doesn't think it will win everywhere it's allocating resources, but they are trying to keep voters excited. https://t.co/eGRZG3CJUL
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) May 12, 2024
Biden’s strategy includes cutting into Republican margins in rural counties where Trump previously won, in order to mobilize and engage rural Biden supporters in preparation for the upcoming election. For instance, they have opened 46 offices in 42 of Wisconsin’s counties, including 23 where Trump achieved double-digit wins in 2020. Similarly, a field office was recently opened in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which Biden lost to Trump by 16 points in 2020.
In contrast to the previous election cycle, where Biden and Trump followed different approaches to voter outreach, Democrats are now prioritizing their ground game. The campaign’s brick-and-mortar offices and strong organization mark a shift away from the virtual and drive-in rallies of 2020, as they recognize the significance of face-to-face engagement with voters.
Biden’s campaign entered April with a significant financial advantage, holding $88.5 million in his war chest compared to Trump’s $45.1 million. Nevertheless, Trump’s team has also invested in on-the-ground staffing, with paid staffers in every battleground state, indicating a strong commitment to turning out votes.
Overall, the Biden campaign’s deployment of resources to Republican-leaning counties demonstrates their determination to secure support in areas that were previously won by Trump. The emphasis on field offices and direct voter engagement aligns with Biden’s focus on making face-to-face connections with voters in preparation for the upcoming election.
