The rally scheduled for May 11 in Wildwood, N.J. could potentially be one of the largest of the 2024 campaign season, occurring during the former president’s ongoing criminal trial in New York. Michael Byrne, a Republican, is leading a grassroots effort to increase support for former President Donald Trump in New Jersey, challenging the common perception of the state as solidly liberal. The event is expected to draw “tens of thousands” of Trump supporters to the beach, potentially forming one of the largest crowds of the campaign. Despite New Jersey’s historical Democratic leanings, the enthusiasm for Trump in and around Wildwood is palpable, with the area showing strong support for the former president in the past. Byrne and his group, the “America First Republicans,” are working to change the political landscape in New Jersey, aiming to flip the state’s 14 electoral votes to Trump in the upcoming election. Their efforts include a new initiative called “Project 14,” encouraging supporters to each secure an additional 14 voters for Trump. The group plans to focus on voter turnout and election protection leading up to the November general election, where Biden and Trump are expected to face off once again. He perceives that figure as an indicator of a lack of enthusiasm for President Biden and suggests that it may also indicate that President Biden is assuming a New Jersey victory. The Biden campaign did not respond to The Epoch Times’ request for comment.
Noting that the state has historically been open to electing Republican governors, Mr. Byrne remarked, “The state is becoming increasingly competitive.” He highlights that national polls have shown a rise in voters’ dissatisfaction with the top two issues: the U.S. economy and immigration policies. In light of these concerns, Mr. Byrne believes that more New Jersey residents are now willing to reconsider President Trump.
Mr. Byrne acknowledges that New Jersey is unlikely to be a primary focus for the Trump campaign, as they are likely to concentrate more on key swing states like neighboring Pennsylvania. However, he mentions that his group is complementing that effort by aiming to engage “tens of thousands of potential activists who genuinely support President Trump.”
“We will leverage this momentum,” Mr. Byrne stated, “and hopefully assist the president in securing victory here in New Jersey.”
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