In a clear demonstration of Rocky Mount’s growing importance in the 2024 presidential race, both former President Bill Clinton and former President Donald Trump made appearances in the city over the past two weeks, spotlighting the Twin Counties as a critical battleground for both Presidential Candidates. Clinton, in town campaigning for Kamala Harris, spoke at Word Tabernacle Church and Station Square in downtown Rocky Mount, while Trump held a rally at the Rocky Mount Event Center, drawing over 6,000 attendees. These high-profile visits underscore the close margins that have marked recent elections in the Twin Counties, which was a virtual toss-up in the last two presidential cycles.

Clinton Rallies for Kamala Harris in Rocky Mount

Bill Clinton’s visit was hosted by Word Tabernacle Church and Station Square, a vibrant venue in downtown Rocky Mount. Organized with security coordination from the City of Rocky Mount, Clinton’s rally focused on vital themes of healthcare access and voting rights for all Americans. Addressing issues close to the hearts of Rocky Mount residents, Clinton’s speeches resonated with voters concerned about equitable healthcare and the right to vote—topics that he emphasized as essential to Kamala Harris’s platform. The events drew an engaged audience, united by a shared commitment to progress and social justice.

Trump’s Rally at Rocky Mount Event Center

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s rally at the Rocky Mount Event Center brought out over 6,000 supporters for a one-day event. The Rocky Mount Event Center’s staff managed the entire logistics within a tight 72-hour window, with the Secret Service arriving at 4 p.m. on Sunday to conduct a thorough site assessment. The rally, organized swiftly and efficiently, underscored the venue’s ability to accommodate a large crowd on short notice. Trump addressed his supporters with a message centered on immigration and economic growth, themes that continue to resonate with his base.

Why the Twin Counties Matter

The attention from both campaigns highlights the Twin Counties' growing significance in North Carolina’s political landscape. With narrow margins in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential races, the Twin Counties' undecided voters hold a decisive influence. Both parties recognize that every vote matters here, especially as North Carolina has become one of the country’s most competitive swing states. By engaging the Twin Counties' residents directly, the Clinton and Trump campaigns are hoping to tilt the scales in this critical battleground region.

As Election Day approaches, the Twin Counties remains squarely in the spotlight, with both parties making substantial efforts to appeal to this crucial block of voters. Whether the intense campaigning will shift the local sentiment in either direction is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain: Rocky Mount’s role in the 2024 race is undeniable.