Former President Donald Trump plans to hold a campaign event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, unusual territory for a Republican candidate, even one who made a name for himself in the Democratic bastion.
The event at the world’s most famous arena is part of the Republican presidential nominee’s push to expand the electoral map into more Democratic-friendly areas.
“We just rented Madison Square Garden,” Mr. Trump said at a campaign rally Wednesday in President Biden’s native Scranton, Pennsylvania. “We are going to make a play for New York.”
“How could New York be run worse than it is?” he said, an apparent reference to Democratic Mayor Eric Adams’ recent indictment on corruption charges. The rally reportedly will be held on Oct. 27.
Ronald Reagan, in 1984, was the last Republican to carry New York in a presidential race.
Mr. Trump said he also plans to reinforce his efforts in the Democratic strongholds of Minnesota and New Jersey, and the more purple states of Virginia and New Mexico.
Mr. Trump said his chances of becoming the first Republican in modern history to win Minnesota have increased since Vice President Kamala Harris tapped the state’s governor, Tim Walz, as her running mate.
“You know why I am doing well in Minnesota?” he said. “Because he is running.”
Mr. Trump made appearances in New York earlier this year when he was stuck in the city for a trial where he was accused of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. He was convicted on all charges and faces sentencing after the election.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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