Harris and Trump both coming to Pittsburgh today as campaigns wrap up ahead of Election Day
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are both coming to the Pittsburgh area on Monday as each candidate makes their final campaign push on Election Day eve.
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 holding rally at PPG Paints Arena
The former president's rally at PPG Paints Arena will be taking place around the same time as the Harris event at the Carrie Furnaces.
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., his supporters gathered outside PPG Paints Arena.
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. Former Fox News host and conservative commentator Megyn Kelly is also supposed to join Trump, CBS News reported.
Trump took the stage shortly after 7:30 p.m. He said he was "thrilled to be back" and began by 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 called on his supporters to vote on Tuesday.
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.
Voters KDKA-TV spoke with said they're eager to hear what Trump's closing message is on Election Day eve. They're hoping it's one of strength.
"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 holding rally and concert at Carrie Blast Furnaces
The vice president's rally will take place along the Monongahela River at the Carrie Blast Furnaces starting at 5 p.m. on Monday evening.
Special musical guests Katy Perry, Andra Day, and D-Nice will all be performing and making appearances at the rally. A campaign official said Harris will be introduced by Cedric the Entertainer.
Ahead of Harris, several speakers took the stage, including Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Democratic candidate for attorney general Eugene DePasquale.
Initial plans 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's a perfect setting for the rally.
"This is a great backdrop," Regina Magda said. "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 will close her day in Philadelphia with a rally and concert. According to Harris' campaign, Lady Gaga, The Roots and Ricky Martin, among others, are expected to perform.
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 can leave work at noon.
The city and county are also asking all people and businesses to avoid unnecessary travel in and around Downtown Pittsburgh on Monday.
Pittsburgh Public Schools announced it will have 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 will be dismissed at Noon and the Downtown Service Center will close 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.
