A Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan has expressed concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris' popularity in the state, which could potentially affect her chances of winning the 2024 presidential election.
Vice President Kamala Harris may be facing an uphill battle in the 2024 presidential election, with her popularity taking a hit in several key swing states. According to a recent report by Axios, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, has reportedly told donors that the state is not locked in for Harris.
"I'm not feeling my best right now about where we are on Kamala Harris in a place like Michigan," Slotkin said during a virtual fundraiser.
Kamala Harris' Popularity Takes a Hit in Key Swing States
Slotkin's comments come as former President Donald Trump has been chipping away at Harris' popularity in Michigan and Wisconsin according to recent polls. A USA Today/Suffolk University poll found that Harris holds a narrow lead of 48% to 45% over Trump in Michigan, but some experts warn that this lead could shrink further.
"If the Kamala Harris margin shrinks to a 1-point lead, the entire state hinges on the fringes of the Michigan ballot," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "The behavior of third-party voters — people who are mocked for wasting their votes — could make the difference if they rotate to either Harris or Trump."
Kamala Harris' Popularity Takes a Hit in Key Swing States
Harris' unpopularity in Michigan could have a significant impact on her chances of winning the presidential election, as the winner of Michigan has won the past four presidential elections. Slotkin's comments suggest that Harris may need to reassess her campaign strategy in the state if she wants to secure a victory.
However, some supporters of Harris remain optimistic about her chances in Michigan. A recent poll by Emerson College Polling found that Harris leads Trump by 5 points in the state, and some Democrats believe that she can energize the party's base and win over independent voters.
Kamala Harris' Popularity Takes a Hit in Key Swing States
"Kamala Harris is a strong and experienced leader who has a clear vision for the future of our country," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison. "I am confident that she will win Michigan and the presidency in 2024."
Despite the concerns raised by Slotkin and others, the Harris campaign remains confident in her ability to win Michigan and other swing states. The campaign has pointed to Harris' experience as Vice President and her record of working across party lines as evidence of her qualifications for the presidency.
"Vice President Harris is a proven leader who has the experience and the temperament to be President," said Harris campaign spokesperson Ian Sams. "She is committed to fighting for the American people and delivering on the promises she made during the campaign."
With Election Day still more than two years away, it is too early to say for certain whether Harris will be able to win Michigan and other swing states. However, the concerns raised by Slotkin and others suggest that she may face an uphill battle in the 2024 presidential election.
