'Sparks of enthusiasm' for Harris in solid red state could reportedly shift election map
New speculation is swirling about whether Vice President Kamala Harris can win in areas of the country that are not traditionally considered Democratic.
Bloomberg's Anna Edgerton looked specifically at changes seen in the northernmost U.S. state. Alaska Survey Research released the results of a poll on Sept. 13, showing the unusual data. Speaking to 1,254 likely voters, 910 of which are so-called "super voters," who always vote in elections, Harris stands at 42 percent and Trump at 47 percent, with 6 percent undecided.
The month before the election, political prognosticators are looking at Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia and even North Carolina. But Harris could get enough to garner Alaska's three electoral votes, the report explained.
Read Also: Kamala Harris declares war on Trump's 'failed policies'
"There are sparks of enthusiasm for Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, whose Carhartt-and-camo appeal resonates in a state of 734,000 people scattered across a land area more than twice the size of Texas," Bloomberg explained.
Harris' candidacy sent a "jolt of energy" through the country, and Alaska was no different.
"Some of her fellow teachers wear pearls and Chucks sneakers to school in a subtle tribute to Harris’ signature style," Jessica Cook, the vice chair of the state Democratic party, told Bloomberg, "She hears people quoting Walz, suggesting that even the vice presidential candidate has made an impression."
Edgerton acknowledges that Alaska is likely out of reach for Harris given how strident the GOP voters have been in the state. The state's economy depends largely on "oil and gas, mining, timber and fish," which are traditionally GOP issues.
But Democrat Mary Peltola made it happen in 2022 when she flipped one congressional seat to blue.
"John-Henry Heckendorn, a Democratic strategist credited by some for pulling Alaska's legislature to the left," told Bloomberg that with some Democratic Party investment, it could make a difference. Alaska is likely an affordable option with a small media market.
“I doubt you’re going to find an Alaskan who thinks Harris will actually win,” Heckendorn said. “When a Democratic president ultimately does win Alaska — if and when that happens — Alaskans will be as or more surprised than anybody.”