Trump's California and Nevada Swing: Can His Economy Message Land With Local Voters?

President Trump is spending this week in California and Nevada, making stops at his own golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes for an RNC fundraiser and a Las Vegas casino to talk about the economy. It’s a two-state push to bolster Republican chances in November, but the latest AP-NORC poll might be a tough sell. Only 32% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy, and here in Sacramento, those numbers probably feel pretty personal. Between rent increases, grocery bills, and gas prices, the“great economy”talking point doesn’t always match up with what folks see on their monthly statements.

The trip also carries some interesting political theater. Governor Newsom didn’t greet Trump this time, a sharp contrast to their previous encounter. Newsom’s office released a statement pointing out that wildfire survivors are still waiting for federal recovery funding Trump promised 18 months ago. That hits close to home for communities across California that are still rebuilding. Meanwhile, in Nevada, the governor’s race between Joe Lombardo and Aaron Ford is one of the tightest in the country, and Trump’s visit there is clearly aimed at firing up the base.

So what does this mean for you? Whether you voted for him or not, the President’s visit shines a spotlight on the issues that matter most to our region: the economy, housing costs, wildfire recovery, and border security. And with midterms right around the corner, the choices we make in November will have a direct impact on how these issues are handled. Do you think Trump’s message is connecting with local voters, or is he out of touch with what families in Sacramento are facing?