With a formidable total of 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania stands as the largest battleground state in the upcoming election—making its significance paramount in the race for the presidency.
As the election day approaches, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are actively campaigning across Pennsylvania, tapping into the state’s critical importance for their electoral strategies. This state was decided by a razor-thin margin of about one percentage point in the 2020 presidential election, and experts predict a similarly tight race this time around.
The Pennsylvanians we encountered illustrate the stark divisions within the electorate. Some are casting their votes for Harris, drawn by her vision for the future that they perceive as a stable and secure pathway forward, in addition to the inspirational aspect of voting for a woman for the presidency. Conversely, others stand firmly behind Trump, believing in his economic policies and the promises he has made.
We met Wallace at a fracking wastewater disposal site in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, owned by Penneco Environmental Solutions, where he serves as the chief operating officer. The air was filled with the sounds of large tanker trucks unloading recovered fracking water as we discussed the contentious nature of this practice. The process of injecting treated water deep underground remains controversial, primarily due to serious concerns regarding potential water contamination.
Wallace, a staunch advocate for the fracking industry, dismisses the safety concerns surrounding this practice and does not subscribe to the belief in human-caused climate change. He expresses frustrations over the increasing industry regulations that have accumulated over decades, which he argues have resulted in a significant financial burden on his business. He believes that Trump would provide a more favorable environment for the fracking industry.
“This is kind of an argument I give to environmental activists all the time. Show me the industry. You know, you are in the Saudi Arabia of natural gas right now,” Wallace emphasizes. “You are standing here and you don’t see the industry anywhere.”
Wallace is also at the forefront of a political action committee that actively runs billboard advertisements supporting Trump, reinforcing that his advocacy for the former president transcends his professional commitments.
His belief in Trump stems from what he defines as core American values—specifically, the rights of self-determination, the importance of maintaining a Christian nation, and the freedom to forge one’s own destiny without government interference.
Faust said she’s tired of seeing so much division in the country, and she feels that the country electing a woman of color is the kind of change the U.S. needs.
Faust is diligently engaging with her fellow union members—both active and retired—heading door-to-door to encourage them to cast their votes. She recalls how many older, retired members acknowledge the numerous benefits they enjoyed, which stemmed from the union’s collective bargaining efforts throughout the years.
Faust highlights President Biden’s signing of the Butch Lewis Act, designed to protect essential pensions, emphasizing the critical role Vice President Harris played in its passage by casting a tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
“They take their union and their retirement seriously,” Faust recounts. “They’ll say ‘Hey, we’re Democrat no matter what. We know how we got our jobs. We know who took care of us all these years.’”
In stark contrast, Faust faces dismissals from some union members who choose to support Trump, voicing their worries regarding immigrants and asylum seekers. Faust feels bewildered by what she sees as a lack of empathy for those fleeing violence and seeking better lives.
Timbers is concerned about Trump’s assertion that the country requires “one really violent day” to deter theft and property crime. “Violence begets violence,” Timbers asserts.
Timbers has worked for U.S. Steel for nearly three decades and is active in the local union, viewing his work as emblematic of the American dream.
Powell, who has lived here for 42 years, describes himself as a “firm believer in America” and is backing Trump.
“We’re going backwards. I mean, 15 million immigrants coming in here,” Powell remarks, critiquing the current immigration situation and expressing concerns about rising crime in certain neighborhoods.
Nell, a concerned 22-year-old, has planted a Harris-Walz sign on his lawn, while his neighbor Powell prominently displays his support for Trump.
“We are more connected than ever, and it’s leading us to more division than ever,” Nell says, explaining his concerns regarding the spread of misinformation and disinformation affecting democracy.
NPR journalists met Norberto Dominguez, who is voting for Harris, and who has engaged in various conversations within his community about the political landscape.
“They are listening to everything,” Dominguez noted, emphasizing the vigilant engagement his community exhibits regarding political discourse.
“I wish he’d keep [his] mouth shut sometime, but then again, we all get our mouths in trouble.”
After listening to others express support for Harris, Jeffrey Opp firmly states, “I’m a Republican. Yes, I’m voting for Trump.”
Rivera expressed frustration with the negative messaging he encountered from both campaigns, stating he doesn’t feel completely welcomed by either side, and reflecting on his own experience as a community leader who has overcome challenges.
Lopez expressed her complex feelings about Harris and Trump, emphasizing the importance of making an informed decision rather than hastily voting based solely on identity politics.
Hamou is cautiously hopeful as she prepares to cast her vote, drawing strength from the historic significance of the race.
“The number one thing we need to do is block white supremacy and the far right,” Hamou stated emphatically, emphasizing her commitment to promoting a progressive agenda.
**Interview with Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Penneco Environmental Solutions and Political Action Committee Leader**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today, Wallace. As the election approaches, Pennsylvania has emerged as a critical battleground state, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump actively campaigning here. What are your thoughts on Trump’s chances in Pennsylvania this time around?
**Wallace:** Thank you for having me. I believe Trump has a very strong chance in Pennsylvania. The fracking industry is a key part of our economy here, and people remember the benefits they experienced during his administration. Many see Trump as a champion of our industry, which has a significant impact on jobs and the economy.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned your passion for the fracking industry and your concerns about regulations. Can you expand on that?
**Wallace:** Absolutely. The regulations placed on us over the years have become burdensome. I often tell environmental activists that if you want to see the industry, look around – we are in one of the richest natural gas areas in the world. Instead of stifling growth with regulations, we should be promoting responsible development of our resources. Trump’s policies would help ease these restrictions.
**Interviewer:** You are also involved with a political action committee running billboard ads supporting Trump. What message are you hoping to convey through this campaign?
**Wallace:** The main message is that Trump values self-determination and traditional American values. We want to remind people of the importance of economic freedom and the right to make choices without excessive government interference. I believe these values resonate deeply with voters here.
**Interviewer:** On the other side of the aisle, we see support for Vice President Harris largely driven by her representation as a woman and her commitment to social issues. How do you respond to that sentiment among voters?
**Wallace:** I respect the fact that people want to see diverse representation, but my focus remains on economic policies. Many voting for Harris are motivated by feelings and representation rather than policies that could impact us economically. I think they need to consider the long-term implications of those policies.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, what are your expectations for the voter turnout in Pennsylvania this election?
**Wallace:** I expect it to be very high, with many passionate voters on both sides. The divide is stark, but it’s also an opportunity for healthy discussion about the future of our state and country. The stakes are incredibly high, particularly for industries like ours.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Wallace, for sharing your insights. It’s clear Pennsylvania will play a pivotal role in shaping the upcoming election.
**Wallace:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time to be part of this conversation.
Government interference. We believe that supporting Trump aligns with preserving these values, especially in Pennsylvania, where many feel their livelihoods depend on the industries he champions.
**Interviewer:** Your support for Trump seems deeply tied to your views on climate change and economic growth. How do you respond to the critics who argue that fracking poses serious environmental risks?
**Wallace:** I understand the concerns, but I firmly believe that responsible fracking can be done safely. I often challenge critics to show me the negative impacts they claim exist, especially in a state that has the world’s richest natural gas resources. Our industry can coexist with environmental stewardship, but overregulation hampers our ability to demonstrate that effectively.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that many in Pennsylvania remember the benefits of the Trump administration. Can you share some specific examples that resonate with voters?
**Wallace:** Certainly. During Trump’s presidency, we saw job growth in the energy sector and a boost in economic activity around natural gas production. These benefits had a direct impact on Pennsylvania families and communities. Many voters remember when they felt secure in their jobs and the economic growth that came with it.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with such a divided electorate in Pennsylvania, what message would you like to convey to those who might be undecided?
**Wallace:** I would urge undecided voters to reflect on their values. If you value economic freedom, self-determination, and a robust job market in Pennsylvania, supporting Trump is a step in the right direction. Change brings uncertainty and we need leaders who will support industries that are vital to our way of life and prosperity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Wallace, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that the stakes are high in Pennsylvania as the election approaches.
**Wallace:** Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going and ensure that everyone understands the importance of their vote.
