Trump Allies Launch $45 Million Ground Campaign to Mobilize Swing-State Voters

Allies of Senator JD Vance of Ohio are gearing up to deploy a substantial ground campaign in support of Donald Trump’s presidential bid, with plans to spend $45 million through a newly established super PAC called Turnout for America. This ambitious effort, spearheaded by Vance's close friend and political associate Christopher Buskirk, is designed to mobilize swing-state voters as the 2024 election season heats up. According to a memo circulated to potential donors and reviewed by The New York Times, Turnout for America has already prepared a network of at least 945 canvassers who are reportedly “ready for deployment” in critical battleground states. These states include Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina, alongside traditional Democratic strongholds like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The group is also considering expanding its reach into states such as Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Virginia, depending on polling trends and resource availability. The urgency of this initiative comes in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris gaining momentum as the Democrats' nominee following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race. Harris's campaign has reportedly raised over $200 million, attracted 170,000 new volunteers, and is now investing significantly in grassroots operations across states previously deemed challenging for Democratic candidates. Buskirk’s memo indicates a strategic alignment with Trump’s campaign, as Turnout for America seeks to establish a data-sharing agreement to enhance voter mobilization efforts. The group's innovative approach incorporates a unique artificial intelligence tool intended to optimize canvassing performance, providing real-time feedback and suggestions to canvassers in the field. This method aims to target low- and mid-propensity voters through a blend of paid and volunteer efforts. Unlike many super PACs that typically engage in media advertising, Turnout for America is committed solely to field operations, focusing on direct voter engagement and outreach. The memo emphasizes this mission: “Our mission is simply to execute on the president's ground game plan—the thought leadership is theirs.” The formation of Turnout for America is part of a broader trend among pro-Trump organizations that are capitalizing on recent Federal Election Commission guidance permitting outside entities to coordinate field programs with campaigns, so long as they do not engage in coordinated advertising. Another organization, America PAC, co-founded by Elon Musk, is also in the fray, seeking to fund canvassing efforts in pivotal states. The financial backing for Turnout for America is being bolstered by a network of major donors, many of whom are part of the Rockbridge Network, a collective created by Buskirk that has attracted the likes of Peter Thiel and Rebekah Mercer. These contributors are expected to play a crucial role in reaching the PAC's ambitious fundraising goals, which have already seen over $5 million in donations and commitments. As the presidential campaign enters a critical phase, the stakes are high for both sides. With Harris now solidifying her position, the Republican camp is mobilizing resources to counter her fundraising success and grassroots momentum. The effectiveness of these ground operations in swing states may very well determine the outcome of the upcoming election, making the battle for voter engagement more crucial than ever.