‘America First’ group says its voter-targeting made a difference as Trump picks several leaders for WH
The hard work and vision of a top policy and advocacy group in the America First movement played a crucial role in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. America First Works, led by executive director Ashley Hayek, focused on popular policies from the first Trump administration and worked to bring them to state governments across the country.
As the 2024 race intensified, America First Works honed in on voter turnout as a key strategy to continue spreading the movement’s message. Hayek explained that the group conducted a comprehensive study of over 3,100 counties nationwide and identified 21 key counties that would be pivotal in the election. These counties, some in blue states and some in red or purple states, were identified as crucial battlegrounds where the margin of victory was razor-thin in the previous election.
The initiative, known as “Project 19,” aimed to mobilize low- and no-propensity voters, including those who were considered active on state voter rolls but had not participated in recent election cycles. This innovative approach targeted not only swing states but also reliably conservative and even blue states like New York and New Jersey. In New York, for example, Trump came within striking distance of flipping the state red for the first time in decades, thanks in part to the efforts of America First Works.
Hayek emphasized the importance of engaging with voters in both major urban centers and their surrounding collar counties, which often become battlegrounds in elections. She noted that the group’s on-the-ground efforts revealed a shift in campaign tactics, with Vice President Kamala Harris focusing more on Rust Belt states where President Biden had previously found success.
Despite California’s deep blue status, Hayek stressed the need for continued conservative outreach in the state, especially in light of ongoing challenges like crime and high taxation. She expressed hope that America First Works’ efforts in California would help drive a cultural shift and pave the way for more conservative victories in the future.
The impact of America First Works and its partner organization, America First Policy Institute, was further underscored by the recent appointments of several of its leaders to key roles in the new Trump administration. Co-founders Brooke Rollins and Linda McMahon are set to serve as agriculture and education secretaries, while former Rep. Lee Zeldin and ex-Rep. Doug Collins are also poised for White House roles in 2025.
Looking ahead, Hayek emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing conversations with voters and continuing to focus on key policy issues like the economy, border security, and education. As the America First movement looks to the future, Hayek remains optimistic about the impact her group can have on shaping the political landscape for years to come.
