As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, former President Donald Trump is facing an uphill battle in Minnesota, a traditionally Democratic state. Trump, who was previously within the margin of error against President Biden, now trails presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris by a significant margin. This shift comes amid a heated debate over abortion rights in the region.
Iowa’s new six-week abortion ban, which took effect on Monday, has sparked a response from Minnesota officials. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, during a tour of a non-profit abortion clinic, invited Iowans seeking the procedure to travel north. “If you’re afraid, come to Minnesota. We’ve got you,” Flanagan stated.
This call for solidarity comes as Democrats continue to criticize Republicans over abortion and pregnancy-related issues. Harris currently enjoys a six-point lead over Trump in Minnesota. While the Harris campaign did not comment, Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, reiterated the GOP nominee’s stance on the issue, emphasizing the importance of state autonomy in deciding abortion policy. Leavitt argued that Democrats are out of touch in their support for abortion and criticized them for pushing for taxpayer funding of the procedure.
The abortion debate has taken center stage in Minnesota, with Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, reiterating the state’s commitment to protecting reproductive freedom. “As our neighbors in Iowa are stripped of their fundamental rights, my message is clear: Your reproductive freedom will remain protected in Minnesota,” Walz wrote on social media.
The White House also condemned Iowa’s abortion ban, calling it “extreme” and stating that it puts women’s health and lives at risk. Minnesota, a state that has not elected a Republican president since Richard Nixon, remains a crucial battleground for the 2024 election.
Trump, who remains hopeful of winning Minnesota, held a rally in St. Cloud on Sunday, where he referred to Harris as “evil” and criticized her for past donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. His running mate, Senator JD Vance, has also faced criticism for previous comments where he suggested federal penalties for abortion-related travel. However, Vance has since softened his stance on the issue, stating that he believes in providing exceptions for abortion in cases of rape, incest, and danger to the mother’s life.
