Donald Trump’s campaign is banking on securing key victories in Pennsylvania and Georgia for the upcoming election, as indicated by their significant ad spending, which has drawn attention from political analysts.
With Election Day fast approaching on November 4, both major parties have already poured hundreds of millions into their presidential bids. Trump’s strategy appears to be placing heavy emphasis on swing states, particularly Pennsylvania, where he’s shelled out an impressive $132.1 million on ads since March 5, according to AdImpact Politics. In contrast, his national ad spending stands at $31.2 million.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris has invested $165.2 million on national ads, with a close follow-up of $150.1 million directed toward Pennsylvania. Looking ahead, Trump is set to allocate an additional $70.6 million in Pennsylvania and $28.7 million in Georgia over the critical nine weeks leading up to the election, as per AdImpact Politics.
Comparatively, his budget for advertising in other battleground states is markedly lower—only $6.6 million in Michigan, $9.9 million in Arizona, and under $5 million across North Carolina and Nevada combined.
Some experts believe this strategy is deliberate. Political Science Professor Christopher A. Cooper suggests that winning both Pennsylvania and Georgia could tip the electoral scales in Trump’s favor, provided he maintains his lead in North Carolina. Recent polls indicate Trump leads there, but Harris has been gaining ground.
Cooper expects Trump’s campaign efforts to hone in on these three crucial states, calling them the “keys to winning the White House.” Likewise, Professor Stephen Farnsworth supports this targeted approach, noting the challenges caused by the shifting electoral landscape following the Democratic ticket changes.
Assistant Professor Jared McDonald describes this as a calculated risk, arguing that while significant spending can yield diminishing returns, campaigns often adapt quickly to emerging data. Therefore, the current lower ad expenditures in states like Michigan and others might not remain static as November approaches.
