Donald Trump’s latest rally at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV Thursday night, October 24, showcased the former president’s growing momentum in Nevada, a state that has long been elusive for Republican candidates.
From Polynesian music to a rock set by Common Kings and speeches from high-profile Trump allies like Tulsi Gabbard and Sen. Marco Rubio, the event drew thousands. With chants of “We love you,” Trump addressed a crowd seemingly optimistic about a Nevada victory.
The Nevada rally is emblematic of broader shifts as Republicans grow more hopeful about flipping Nevada’s six electoral votes, that could be critical in a close Electoral College race. Key factors include a surge in early Republican voting, frustrations with the current Democratic administration, and a notable shift in Latino support—Trump’s appeal among Latino voters, who make up roughly 20 percent of Nevada’s electorate, has risen significantly.
A strong turnout among Republicans during the initial phase of early voting suggests their strategic advantage. Tyler Bowyer of Turning Point Action, one of the event hosts, told the crowd, “We’re winning Nevada,” to cheers and applause, echoing the Republican Party’s renewed confidence in the state.
Despite Republicans’ rising enthusiasm, Nevada Democrats are banking on the turnout machine initially built by the late Sen. Harry Reid, which has reliably driven support for Democratic candidates statewide. Key Nevada groups, including unionized hospitality workers and Latino communities, remain mobilized to support Kamala Harris. However, Republicans claim to be making inroads within these crucial Democratic blocs, particularly among Latino hospitality workers, who are expressing dissatisfaction with current economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Democrats are working to offset early GOP enthusiasm with a focused push on voter turnout, including a mobile billboard campaign highlighting a controversial statement attributed to Trump. The DNC’s effort is aimed at spotlighting Trump’s controversial remarks and warning of “the danger to democracy” his leadership poses, according to DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.
Trump’s campaign, however, has denied the accusations, calling the claims part of a “debunked story” by his former chief of staff, Gen. John Kelly.
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