Harris and Trump travel to Pittsburgh on Monday as campaigns wrap up ahead of Election Day
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump stopped by the Pittsburgh area on Monday as each candidate made their final campaign push on the eve of Election Day.
Both candidates have made numerous trips to Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania in recent weeks in hopes of winning the state's 19 electoral votes. Pennsylvania is one of several key battleground states, and which candidate wins the Keystone State could play a major role in who wins the presidency.
Polls open in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 a.m.
Trump holds rally at PPG Paints Arena
The former president's rally at PPG Paints Arena in Downtown Pittsburgh took place around the same time as the Harris event at the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Swissvale.
Before Pittsburgh, Trump held a rally on the other side of the state in Reading. Meanwhile, hours before the doors opened at 3:15 p.m., thousands of his supporters gathered outside PPG Paints Arena before the doors opened.
Ahead of Trump, several speakers took the stage, including Sean Parnell, Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid R. Longo, Kimberly Brown — the daughter of late NFL legend Jim Brown — and Senate candidate Dave McCormick.
Trump took the stage at PPG Paints Arena shortly after 7:30 p.m. He said he was "thrilled to be back" and began attacking the current administration, asking people if they were better off now than four years ago. He promised to address inflation and border security. He also said that he would impose tariffs on Mexico and China related to drugs and the U.S-Mexico border.
Some of Trump's family members, including Donald Trump Jr. and Lara Trump, joined him on stage during the rally. Former Fox News host and conservative commentator Megyn Kelly also joined Trump on stage during his speech. She criticized Harris and the current administration on the border and transgender rights.
Near the end of his speech, Trump mentioned Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente and brought his son, Roberto Clemente Jr., on stage. He endorsed Trump and said he wants to "Make America Healthy Again."
Trump closed his rally by saying, "We will be a free and proud nation once again" and encouraged his supporters to vote on Tuesday. He spoke for nearly two hours before heading to a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In recent days, the former president's campaign has been preaching a message about fixing the economy. They blame the Biden-Harris administration for inflation and the rise in prices. Other topics have included voter fraud in Pennsylvania, of which there have been no credible claims.
Before Monday's rally in Pittsburgh, voters KDKA-TV spoke with said they were eager to hear Trump's closing message.
"They're the future. They're the future of America. It's certainly not the Democratic party and the way that they've been going. I think they've lost their way, they've lost their morals. That's why I'm voting for Trump," said Gary Wilson of Waynesburg.
Harris holds rally and concert at Carrie Blast Furnaces
The vice president's rally along the Monongahela River at the Carrie Blast Furnaces started around 5 p.m. on Monday, with her supporters grouping up in front of the stage hours before her arrival.
Harris took the stage around 9 p.m. after being introduced by Cedric the Entertainer. Harris began speaking as Trump reached the 90-minute mark of his rally at PPG Paints Arena in Downtown Pittsburgh.
"Pittsburgh, are we ready to do this?" Harris said to her supporters. "Are we ready to vote? Are we ready to win?"
Harris spoke for about 13 minutes, talking about the importance of voting, how "momentum is on our side" and how this election is about "a fight for the future and it is a fight for freedom."
"I am asking for your vote," Harris said.
Pop star Katy Perry took the stage after Harris' speech. She sang many of her hits, including "Dark Horse." Other musical performances included Andra Day and D-Nice.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey and Democratic candidate for attorney general Eugene DePasquale were among the people who spoke leading up to Harris' speech.
Initial plans for Harris involved a rally and concert at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, but those plans were changed over the weekend. KDKA-TV sources said the venue was changed because of security concerns.
The Carrie Blast Furnaces is a national historic landmark and a salute to Pittsburgh's once-thriving steel industry. Supporters said because of Harris' commitment to unions and working families, it was a perfect setting for the rally.
"This is a great backdrop," Regina Magda said before the event. "She's for the working people. She's for us."
Earlier on Monday, she held rallies in Scranton, Allentown and Reading. After the event in Pittsburgh, Harris closed her day in Philadelphia with a rally and concert.
City and county workers' schedules impacted by presidential rallies
Because of the campaign rallies, non-essential employees who work for Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh could leave work at noon.
The city and county also asked people and businesses to avoid unnecessary travel in and around Downtown Pittsburgh on Monday.
Pittsburgh Public Schools announced a half day on Monday due to the large crowds and road closures that will impact the city.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit said that its non-essential employees were dismissed at noon and the Downtown Service Center closed at noon. Customer service representatives will be available during regular hours by working from home and all bus, light-rail, and Mon Incline routes will operate as normal.