Democrats in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania are confident in their ground game strategy ahead of what could be another close election in the region. State Sen. Lisa Boscola and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk spoke to Fox News Digital about the political landscape in the two-county region. Despite its status as a bellwether area, former President Trump won Northampton County in 2016 and lost it in 2020, while Lehigh County remains reliably blue due to the influence of Allentown. Tuerk mentioned that residents in Allentown largely support Vice President Kamala Harris, with concerns about economic issues, housing, and the rhetoric used by former President Trump.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk emphasized the diversity within the majority-Latino city, with residents from various backgrounds expressing concerns about economic issues and decency in politics. Many Republicans in the city share these concerns about Trump’s rhetoric but are not necessarily switching their party affiliation. The area’s history as the home of Mack Trucks and former department stores like Max Hess has seen significant economic changes, transitioning from factories to entertainment complexes like the SteelStacks. Tuerk emphasized the importance of canvassing and engaging directly with residents in the area to understand their concerns and gather support for the upcoming election.
Lehigh County Democrats are focusing on a ground game strategy that includes canvassing, phone banks, and text messaging to mobilize voters. Issues in the region range from property taxes and the economy to immigration and abortion. Senator Boscola highlighted the support for government aid for illegal immigrants among working-class residents and the need for balance on the issue of abortion. She also proposed a bill that would allow registered Independents to vote in primaries, predicting that Independents could become the fastest-growing party in the area. Both Boscola and Easton Democratic Mayor Sal Panto emphasized the importance of moderation in the region’s political landscape.
The Lehigh Valley has a history of moderate leadership, with mayors and county executives often falling into that category. Both Democratic and Republican mayors in cities like Allentown and Bethlehem have led with moderate-to-liberal approaches, and moderate candidates have had success in local elections. The area’s electorate is diverse, with a significant portion of Independents who are not swayed by party dogma. While Republicans hold majorities in some rural and suburban areas of the counties, the region as a whole tends to lean towards moderation, reflecting the values of the community.
Democrats are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming election, citing the area’s history of supporting moderate candidates and the effectiveness of their ground game strategy. Despite challenges from Republicans in some parts of the region, the Lehigh Valley remains a key battleground area. Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris have been mobilizing in Allentown, emphasizing economic issues and concerns about the rhetoric used by former President Trump. With both parties actively campaigning in the area, the election outcome is expected to be closely contested, reflecting the diverse and politically engaged population in the Lehigh Valley.
