Trump Gains Support Among Philadelphia Working-Class Voters

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly making unexpected gains in the traditionally Democratic stronghold of Philadelphia, primarily among working-class voters. This news, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, could significantly influence the outcome of the 2024 election, particularly in the swing state of Pennsylvania, where the city’s vote typically leans heavily Democratic.

Pennsylvania has long been a critical battleground in presidential elections, and its 20 electoral votes are often seen as key to securing the White House. In past elections, Republicans have struggled to make inroads in Philadelphia, where Democrats enjoy a substantial registration advantage.

In 2012, there were even reports of precincts in the city where not a single vote was cast for the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney. However, if Trump is gaining traction in Philadelphia, it could upend the usual dynamics and improve his chances of winning Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia’s working-class voters, who have traditionally backed Democratic candidates, are now showing signs of shifting their support to Trump. This realignment could be pivotal for Trump’s campaign, as a stronger showing in Philadelphia could help him offset the Democratic advantage in the state’s largest city, which often determines the outcome in statewide races.

According to Breitbart News, many working-class Philadelphians are increasingly aligning themselves with Trump’s Republican Party. Gabriel Lopez, a former Hillary Clinton supporter, told The Philadelphia Inquirer that many people in his community are tired of traditional politics and see Trump as someone who brings a fresh approach.

Lopez, reflecting the sentiment of others, stated, “Democrats keep saying [Trump] is going to bring down the economy, but he was already president for four years, and taxes were lower. We’re tired of the same politics. We got a different type of guy, and the people actually love him.”

Lopez’s remarks capture a broader frustration among working-class voters who feel left behind by the political status quo. As inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, some voters are looking back at Trump’s presidency with nostalgia for what they perceive as better economic times. This shift is particularly significant in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 7-to-1 margin.

The Inquirer also highlighted the perspective of Jim Kohn, a lifelong Democrat and retired truck driver from South Philadelphia. Kohn revealed that he plans to vote for Trump in 2024, noting that he and many of his neighbors felt they were better off financially during Trump’s presidency. “When Trump was president, everything was cheaper,” Kohn said. “Now, everything is so sky high.”

These sentiments from working-class voters suggest that the political landscape in Philadelphia is shifting in ways that could be advantageous to Trump. The realignment of blue-collar voters towards the Republican Party is not an entirely new phenomenon—it was a key factor in Trump’s surprising victory in Pennsylvania in 2016. However, Trump lost the state in 2020 by a narrow margin, and any gains he makes in Philadelphia this time around could be crucial in flipping the state back to red in 2024.

Prominent Trump supporters and political commentators have taken notice of these developments. Alex Bruesewitz, a political strategist, shared the Inquirer story on social media, emphasizing the importance of Trump’s growing support in Philadelphia. “If Trump is making gains in Philadelphia, it could mean the difference between winning and losing not only the state, but the election,” Bruesewitz posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Steve Cortes, another political commentator and Trump ally, also highlighted the significance of Trump’s growing appeal among working-class voters in Philadelphia. “This is huge. President Trump is going to win the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Cortes tweeted, sharing a chart that shows working-class voters shifting toward Republicans in the city.

Pennsylvania’s political importance cannot be overstated. Trump’s victory in the state in 2016 was a key factor in his overall success, helping him secure the electoral votes needed to win the presidency. Pennsylvania flipped back to the Democrats in 2020, but only by a margin of just over 80,000 votes out of more than 6.9 million cast. If Trump can win over a portion of Philadelphia’s traditionally Democratic voters, it could give him a significant advantage in this swing state.

The focus will be on Pennsylvania as election night approaches, with Philadelphia’s vote being a crucial component in determining the state’s outcome. If Philadelphia’s working-class voters continue to shift toward Trump, it could signal a broader realignment of blue-collar voters across the state and potentially the nation.

As 2024 nears, both campaigns will undoubtedly be paying close attention to these trends. For Trump, making inroads in deep blue Philadelphia could be the key to winning Pennsylvania—and possibly the White House—once again.

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Joe Messina

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