Days before his hush money trial in New York, former President Donald Trump is returning to Pennsylvania for a campaign rally. Notably absent from the event is the expected Republican Senate nominee, Dave McCormick, who has not received Trump’s endorsement for the critical Senate battleground race against Democratic incumbent Bob Casey. While Trump has backed candidates in other swing states, including Nevada, he has yet to formally support McCormick, despite facing no primary opponents in the upcoming GOP primary.
The lack of early endorsement for McCormick has puzzled some of Trump’s allies, given the former hedge fund CEO’s history with the former president. Their strained relationship dates back to McCormick’s failed 2022 Senate primary bid against Mehmet Oz, which Trump endorsed. Despite not reaching out for Trump’s endorsement this time, there is a recognition that they will eventually need to work together. The differences in their profiles, including McCormick’s past neutrality in the GOP presidential primary, may impact the level of support he receives from Trump’s base.
During a May 2023 event, McCormick acknowledged the potential threat Trump could pose if he were to seek public office again. He emphasized the need for successful GOP candidates to appeal to both Trump loyalists and moderate Republicans in key battleground states like Pennsylvania. Trump’s campaign advisers are focused on mirroring his 2016 success in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, which he aims to win back in the 2024 election by leveraging messaging around the economy, inflation, and immigration.
In addition to addressing key issues like election fraud, the economy, and immigration, Trump’s Saturday rally in Pennsylvania will likely revolve around appealing to blue-collar voters, a demographic that played a crucial role in his 2016 victory. Recent polls show a tight presidential race between Trump and Joe Biden in Pennsylvania, reinforcing the state’s significance in the upcoming election. Biden’s upcoming visit to the state will center on economic policies that contrast with Trump’s approach, focusing on raising taxes for the wealthiest Americans and corporations.
As Trump prepares to face his hush money trial in New York, his campaign activity has been limited, with more focus on private fundraisers to close the financial gap with Biden and the Democratic Party. Despite his legal troubles, Trump continues to make public appearances, including his Pennsylvania rally, which will be his last campaign event before jury selection in the trial begins. While his prepared remarks may not heavily focus on the trial, Trump’s propensity for speaking off the cuff could lead to references to his legal challenges during the rally.
