As the November election nears, former President Donald Trump leads President Joe Biden in key swing states such as Arizona, Florida, and Nevada, according to Fox News polls. Trump's recent fundraising swing through California has also yielded lucrative returns, further bolstering his financial position in the race.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, former President Donald Trump has emerged as the frontrunner in several swing states, according to recent Fox News polls. In Arizona, Florida, and Nevada, Trump leads President Joe Biden by significant margins.
These findings come amidst Trump's three-day fundraising swing through California, where he raised approximately $27.5 million from four events. The former president's campaign also announced an additional $6 million for outside groups supporting his 2024 rematch with Biden.
Trump Surges Ahead in Swing States, Polling Indicates
Meanwhile, Biden has returned to California to tap into the state's Democratic-dominated political coffers. With less than five months until the election, Biden will team up with former President Barack Obama, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts at a star-studded fundraiser expected to yield millions.
The influx of national politicians seeking campaign donations in California highlights the state's importance as a fundraising hub. According to Federal Election Commission figures, Biden and Trump have raked in more money from California than any other state this cycle.
Trump Surges Ahead in Swing States, Polling Indicates
"When politicians look to the west, they see a field of green," said Jack Pitney, a veteran California-based political scientist at Claremont McKenna College.
Trump's fundraising success in California is fueled by top-dollar GOP donors, including tech industry investors and hedge fund giants. In contrast, Biden's Saturday fundraiser is being orchestrated by the Democratic Hollywood machine.
Trump Surges Ahead in Swing States, Polling Indicates
The entertainment industry, renowned for its Democratic leanings, has long provided substantial campaign funding to presidents Clinton and Obama. While Biden lacks the close ties to Hollywood enjoyed by his predecessors, he still maintains significant appeal.
"Any Democratic presidential candidate is going to be able to raise a lot of money in California, and an incumbent president has a big advantage," said Pitney.
Trump Surges Ahead in Swing States, Polling Indicates
Major strikes by Hollywood labor unions in 2023 delayed Biden's fundraising efforts in Los Angeles. However, he has since made up for lost time with events hosted by Steven Spielberg and Rob Reiner. Saturday's mega-fundraiser is organized by media mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg, a Biden campaign co-chair.
The Biden campaign has enlisted the support of numerous celebrities, including Robert De Niro, Mark Hamill, and Octavia Spencer. Trump, who held his final California fundraiser in upscale Newport Beach, will spend the weekend in Michigan for multiple events, including a roundtable discussion at a Detroit church.
Trump Surges Ahead in Swing States, Polling Indicates
The Trump campaign has criticized Biden for attending the Hollywood fundraiser instead of the peace conference on Ukraine in Switzerland. Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the U.S. at the talks.
As the election season intensifies, both Trump and Biden continue to raise significant funds to power their campaigns. The results of the November election will hinge on their ability to secure victories in key swing states and mobilize their respective political bases.
Trump Surges Ahead in Swing States, Polling Indicates
