Democrats are scaling back efforts in Florida, spending little to support Vice President Kamala Harris as polls show former President Donald Trump with a strong lead in the crucial swing state.
Democrat campaigners are largely pulling back from Florida, drastically reducing their spending on advertising Vice President Kamala Harris in the key swing state. With recent polls showing former President Donald Trump holding a significant lead, national Democrats have allocated just $2.1 million for TV ads in Florida this cycle—a sharp decline compared to the $38 million spent by President Biden’s campaign in 2020.
This shift mirrors a broader trend. During the 2022 midterms, national Democratic organizations spent only $2 million in Florida, a steep drop from the nearly $60 million spent in the previous midterm cycle. According to an analysis from AdImpact, this reduced investment reflects a perception that Florida is no longer as competitive as it once was, as Trump maintains a comfortable lead in state polls.
In a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk University survey, Trump leads Harris by five points, while a McLaughlin & Associates poll in August showed Trump with an eight-point advantage.
Despite the dwindling national support, Florida Democrats insist the state remains competitive. Eden Giagnorio, communications director for the Florida Democratic Party, emphasized grassroots momentum but acknowledged that greater investment would be needed to achieve a win.
However, Harris herself has been absent from Florida since becoming the Democratic nominee in July, opting to send second gentleman Doug Emhoff in her place for an upcoming swing-state tour. Longtime Florida Democratic operative Steve Schale summed up the situation, stating that without significant campaign spending, a Harris victory in the state is unlikely.
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