Recent polls show that Vice President Kamala Harris’ chances of securing NV as a battleground state are on the rise.
At a rally held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she made a commitment to eliminate taxes on tips for those in the hospitality and service sectors. “I promise you that when I take the presidency, we will advocate for working families, including raising the minimum wage and stopping taxes on service workers’ tips,” Harris declared.
This pledge echoes a similar promise made by her opponent, former President Donald Trump, during a rally in the same city back in June.
As of August 11, polling data compiled by Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin indicated that Harris was leading in Nevada with 45.1% compared to Trump’s 43.5%. Earlier in August, Trump held a slight lead over her at 43.9% to 42.5%.
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Reports from 270towin.com also reflected this trend, showing Harris ahead, 45.2% to 44.6%, based on an average of five recent polls.
During his Las Vegas rally, Trump reiterated his commitment to abolish taxes on tips for service workers if elected. “Those of you who work in hotels and earn tips should know, when I’m back in office, those income taxes will vanish,” he stated.
In response to Harris’ announcement, Trump took to Truth Social to argue that she is slipping in the polls and called her policy a copy of his own. “She won’t follow through, it’s just a political stunt! This was my idea—she lacks originality,” he commented.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which previously dismissed Trump’s promise, endorsed Harris shortly after her announcement. Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge praised Harris for her consistent support of hospitality workers and her role in securing favorable union contracts.
A survey conducted on July 29 with 1,750 eligible U.S. voters revealed that 67% opposed taxing tips for service workers, while only 19% supported it. Support for repealing tip taxes cut across party lines, with 68% of Republicans and 65% of Democrats in favor.