In a bid to secure crucial electoral votes in the upcoming 2024 election, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are making a visit to North Carolina, the only swing state Biden did not carry in 2020. Despite facing a challenging political landscape, Democrats are optimistic about flipping the traditionally Republican-leaning state, buoyed by favorable demographics and a rapidly changing electorate.

North Carolina has a history of being a Republican stronghold at the presidential level, with the party losing only once when Barack Obama carried the state in 2008. However, Biden's narrow loss there in 2020 by just slightly more than 1 percentage point has given Democrats renewed hope. The state's rapid growth has seen its largest Democratic-leaning counties become bigger and bluer, further fueling optimism for a potential flip.

To bolster their chances, Biden's campaign has already staffed up key positions and included the state in a $25 million battleground state ad buy. Biden's visit to North Carolina marks his second visit this year, reflecting a more proactive approach to the state compared to the 2020 campaign.

Winning North Carolina, with its 16 electoral votes, is crucial for Biden, given his vulnerability in other states he carried four years ago. The president and his team are aware that they need to make up for lost ground, with polling showing former President Donald Trump with an edge ranging from a few points to almost double digits in the state. Trump's popularity among voters remains high, especially on major issues such as immigration and the economy.

Republicans in North Carolina, aided by Trump's consecutive victories in the state, feel confident about their chances to make it three in a row. With Trump's record of success in the state and several veterans of North Carolina races in his corner, the GOP is poised to put up a strong fight. However, Democrats are hoping to link Trump to controversial GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, whose remarks on various subjects have drawn criticism. They believe this association could potentially sway voters in their favor.

Both Democrats and Republicans in North Carolina acknowledge that there are several uncertainties in this election cycle. The overturning of Governor Roy Cooper's veto by the state Legislature, resulting in a 12-week abortion ban, has added a new dynamic to the race, given North Carolina's historically conservative stance on abortion. Additionally, the gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson's controversial statements have raised concerns about their impact on evangelical voters, who traditionally support Israel.

As the presidential and gubernatorial campaigns kick off in North Carolina, Biden's visit, although billed as a White House event, is seen by state leaders as the start of a fierce and expensive campaign season. The state's voters can expect increased engagement from both parties through in-person voter engagement and targeted messaging.

The road to victory in North Carolina remains challenging for both Democrats and Republicans. As the campaigns unfold, it will be interesting to see how the candidates address key issues and navigate the changing political landscape that might shape the outcome of the 2024 election.