Tim Walz and J.D. Vance Visits to Western Pennsylvania Leave Bellwether County Voters on the Fence

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump each sent their running mates to a key Rust Belt swing county in an effort to sway undecided voters in a battleground state. But did it make a difference?

Erie County has a track record of picking presidents, having voted for Barack Obama twice, Trump in 2016, and then Joe Biden in 2020. Senator J.D. Vance recently campaigned there for Trump, resonating with voters through his story of growing up in a struggling Ohio town. Shortly after, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz arrived to make his case for the Democratic ticket.

“I’m on the fence with both candidates,” said Vince Palermo, a 45-year-old small-business owner from Millcreek Township. Standing at a gas station where Walz’s “New Way Forward” campaign jet had just landed, Palermo lamented, “Under Trump, we didn’t have these price hikes. Now everything is up.”

Though once a member of the Erie County Democrats’ board, Palermo registered as a Republican in 2020 and voted for Trump, hoping for an outsider’s approach. Now, however, he finds himself unsure about supporting Trump again, citing concerns over Trump’s attacks on the judicial system. “He just doesn’t care,” Palermo said.

Still, Palermo is hesitant to lean toward Harris, questioning her experience. He noted Walz came off as “more of a person” than Harris, but expressed doubts about Walz’s “average Joe” appeal, suggesting his selection might have been strategic.

Chuck Jones, a 40-year-old Erie resident who voted straight Democrat in 2020, echoed Palermo’s uncertainty. “Everybody’s not who they say they are,” Jones remarked, frustrated with politicians’ inconsistency.

Harris has faced skepticism for her stance on fracking, a key issue in Pennsylvania, particularly after flip-flopping on the topic during her 2019 presidential campaign. Erie resident Lehualani Rounds, a healthcare worker, voiced distrust in Harris’s authenticity, stating she plans to vote for Trump again.

Barry LaCastro, a union leader in Erie, also expressed disillusionment with the campaign mudslinging between Walz and Vance. “Why can’t you just run on your platform?” he asked, weary of personal attacks. Despite appreciating Trump’s economic policies, LaCastro feels conflicted, saying his “soul can’t vote” for Trump due to his divisive rhetoric.

Similarly, Kasheen Henderson, a retired pipe fitter, is torn. “I don’t trust either party right now,” Henderson admitted, pointing out that both candidates have their flaws. He’s still waiting for the right reason to cast his vote, focusing heavily on his financial situation and the impact of the current administration’s policies.

With undecided voters like these in Erie County, it’s clear the race is far from decided, and both campaigns have significant work to do to win over the critical swing voters.