As Donald Trump gears up for a rally near Coachella, California, on October 12, he might be on track to further his legacy of struggling in the state.
During a fundraiser at his National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes last month, Trump called California “a mess” and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom for their handling of various issues, including immigration and crime.
How to Watch Trump’s Coachella Rally
Trump is set to speak at 5 p.m. PST with doors opening at noon at Calhoun Ranch. The event is open to the public, and interested attendees can register online via Trump’s campaign website.
In an email promoting the rally, Trump’s campaign portrayed the current California climate as a nightmare for citizens, pointing to rising costs in essentials due to “Kamalanomics.”
This appearance marks Trump’s return to the Coachella Valley since a private event in 2020.
Current Polling Situation
As per the updated FiveThirtyEight polling average from October 7, 2024, Trump is significantly trailing Harris, with her leading at 59.7% compared to his 34.8%, resulting in a notable 24.9-point margin.
One of the latest surveys revealed Harris leading Trump with 58% to 36% among 1,685 likely voters. Another survey by ActiVote showed a slightly larger gap, with Harris at 64% against Trump’s 36%. The trends suggest a strong preference for Harris among California voters.
California’s political landscape has transformed dramatically over the years. Once a Republican stronghold from 1952 to 1988, it has now shifted towards the Democratic party. Trump’s 2016 presidential run saw him earn only 31.62% of the California vote, a record low for a Republican in the state since 1856. In contrast, Hillary Clinton scored 61.73% of the vote, winning by a significant margin.
In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump by approximately 30 points, strengthening the Democratic hold on the state’s electoral votes. Despite losing one electoral vote after the latest Census, California still holds a critical 54 electoral votes, making it a key target in presidential races.
Trump’s upcoming rally is turning heads, with both supporters and opponents expected to show up. His last fundraiser in Rancho Mirage attracted a mix of enthusiastic backers and vocal protesters.
