Editor’s note: This article will be updated periodically before Election Day as The Chronicle publishes additional Presidential Previews.
The presidential race is heating up in North Carolina, with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump virtually neck-and-neck in the battleground state as of Oct. 6.
Ahead of Election Day Nov. 5, The Chronicle is compiling its Presidential Previews in one place to keep you informed before you head to the polls.
Read on for a brief summary of the two major candidates’ platforms, and check out the full articles for more in-depth explanations of their stances that draw on both their current agendas and political track records. Third-party candidates are also represented in the full articles.
Abortion
Trump has a somewhat ambiguous political history on the issue, though he now leans toward leaving the decision up to the states. Harris has long been a vocal proponent of protecting abortion access and stands staunchly in favor of codifying the right.
Criminal justice
Trump is continuing to run on a tough-on-crime agenda, while Harris is aiming to strike a balance between emphasizing her experience as a prosecutor and promoting more progressive reforms.
Economy
Trump has long been a proponent of tax cuts and reduced government spending, though the national debt grew nearly $7.8 trillion during his presidency. Harris mostly aligns with President Joe Biden's economic vision of strengthening the middle class and reducing corporate favoritism.
Foreign policy
Trump continues to be skeptical of multilateral alliances and advocates for an “America First” approach to foreign relations. Harris’ stance largely aligns with Biden’s in terms of supporting Ukraine, combatting Chinese aggression and promoting economic development in Africa, though she has been more outspoken than the president about protecting human rights.
Immigration
Trump continues to promote heavily restrictive policies, including building a wall and increasing federal agent presence at the southern border. Harris also advocates for increased border security, though she has been vocal about the need for immigration policy reform.
Israel-Hamas war
Trump displayed allegiance to Israel during his first term, while Harris aligns with Biden on protecting Israel’s right to self-defense and calling for a cease-fire. Though, she has been more outspoken than Biden about the need to address humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
Trade
Trump and Harris both support relatively more protectionist policies than previous presidents, though Trump favors significantly higher tariffs on foreign goods than his Democratic challenger, who has denounced his agenda as a "Trump tax."
Transportation and infrastructure
Trump failed to secure a bipartisan infrastructure bill during his first term and has pledged to cut Biden-era spending. Harris is running on the legislative track record of the Biden administration — most notably the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — though she historically stands to the left of Biden on energy infrastructure.
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