Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump and co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), has predicted that early voter turnout will be a key factor in securing victory for Republicans in the 2024 presidential election. In a recent appearance on Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends Sunday, she emphasized the significance of record-breaking early voting numbers in swing states like North Carolina and Georgia, pointing to this surge as a sign of growing Republican momentum.
During the interview, Lara Trump highlighted how early voting has shifted the electoral landscape in favor of Republicans. Citing her home state of North Carolina, she noted that Republican turnout in the first two days of early voting had exceeded Democratic turnout, something she described as highly unusual. “We never see that; it’s like an 80/20 split in the Democrats’ favor,” she explained, expressing optimism about the new trend.
She went on to explain that this surge in early Republican votes wasn’t just a North Carolina phenomenon, but something happening in other crucial battleground states like Georgia. For Lara Trump, this shift is the direct result of a concerted effort by Donald Trump’s campaign and the RNC to encourage early voting among Republicans—a strategy they have heavily promoted throughout the campaign.
“I’ve felt like a broken record these past few months,” Lara Trump said, “because all I’ve talked about is ‘Vote early, vote early.’ But people have listened, and they’re actually doing it. This is how we’re going to win, guys.”
The push for early voting marks a significant departure from the 2020 election, when Donald Trump and many Republicans were skeptical of early and mail-in voting, raising concerns about potential fraud. In the wake of that election, which saw record numbers of early and absentee votes, Republicans have pivoted their strategy. Trump and the RNC are now actively encouraging GOP voters to cast their ballots early, a tactic Democrats have historically excelled at.
Lara Trump’s comments on Fox News reflect this new approach. By encouraging early voting, Republicans hope to build a sizable lead before Election Day, which could be crucial in swing states with tight races.
One of the more remarkable aspects of this early voting surge is its occurrence in North Carolina, a state recently devastated by Hurricane Helene. Despite the widespread disruption caused by the storm, voters have turned out in record numbers, indicating a high level of motivation and engagement in this year’s election. Lara Trump sees this as a positive sign for her father-in-law’s campaign, underscoring how determined voters are to participate in shaping the future of the country.
Georgia, another key battleground state, has also seen unprecedented early voting numbers. Lara Trump pointed out that the previous record for early voting in the state, set in 2002, saw 136,000 votes cast on the first day. This year, however, that number more than doubled, with over 312,000 people voting in person on the first day alone. Such a surge in turnout is seen as a major boost for the GOP’s chances of reclaiming Georgia, which narrowly flipped to the Democrats in 2020.
According to the Washington Examiner, which reported on Lara Trump’s remarks, early voting has become a cornerstone of the Republican strategy to mobilize voters. The party is focusing on getting their supporters to the polls early, ensuring that their votes are locked in before Election Day, and making it easier for them to avoid any unforeseen obstacles that could arise.
Lara Trump’s optimism about early voting stands in stark contrast to the Republican rhetoric during the 2020 election cycle. Back then, the Trump campaign and many GOP leaders expressed skepticism about early and mail-in voting, often criticizing it as vulnerable to fraud. However, after seeing the success Democrats had with these methods in 2020, Republicans have adopted a different stance, urging their voters to take advantage of early voting opportunities in 2024.
This shift has not gone unnoticed, with some political analysts noting that it represents a more pragmatic approach from the GOP. By encouraging early voting, Republicans are hoping to boost their turnout numbers and secure an early advantage in key states. If they can mobilize their base to vote early in large numbers, it could help offset the traditional Democratic lead in early voting and give the GOP a better chance of winning on Election Day.
Lara Trump’s prediction that early voter turnout will propel Republicans to victory in 2024 underscores the importance of this electoral strategy for the GOP. With record-breaking early voting numbers in swing states like North Carolina and Georgia, the Trump campaign and the RNC are optimistic about their chances of building momentum heading into Election Day.
The shift in strategy—emphasizing the importance of early voting—reflects a more adaptable and focused Republican campaign. By securing early votes and ensuring their supporters cast their ballots ahead of time, the GOP is hoping to avoid last-minute surprises and build a strong foundation for victory in November 2024.