First lady Jill Biden arrives in Raleigh

On Friday afternoon, Jill Biden is expected to arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. She is scheduled to speak at a political finance event for the Biden Victory Fund in Raleigh.

Posted 12:43 a.m. Jan 25 — Updated 9:33 p.m. Jan 26

WRAL Staff

RALEIGH, N.C. — First lady Dr. Jill Biden landed at Smith Reynolds Airport in Forsyth County around 11 a.m. on Friday, where she was greeted by Governor Roy Cooper.

After visiting Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, she is scheduled to come to Raleigh to speak at a political finance event for the Biden Victory Fund. The private event will be held in a North Raleigh neighborhood.

John and Kristin Replogle are hosting today’s event. Public records show the couple has given at least $790,000 dollars to Democratic causes and politicians over time - both at the state and federal level. President Biden did a campaign stop at this same location back in 2011.

After visiting Raleigh, she will travel to West Columbia, South Carolina, and Tampa, Florida. On Saturday, Jill Biden will travel to Palm Harbor, Florida, and Houston.

The visit comes as President Joe Biden is seeking reelection and focusing on winning states such as North Carolina, where voters are closely split ideologically, seeking a path to the 270 electoral college votes needed to win reelection.

Last week, the president visited Raleigh, touting his administration's investment in infrastructure and economic development as the 2024 campaign takes shape. More visits are expected by the president, the first lady and members of the Biden administration. Vice President Kamala Harris was in Charlotte earlier this month to discuss mental health funding and gun violence. Last week, U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small also visited North Carolina A&T State University.

Biden touts investments, economy during Raleigh visit as 2024 Trump rematch looms

Republican former President Donald Trump carried North Carolina in his successful 2016 presidential campaign as well as in 2020 when he edged out Biden by fewer than 75,000 votes.

The last Democratic ticket to carry the state was Barack Obama and Biden in 2008. But Democrats, even those who are not overly enthusiastic about Biden, could be eager to vote against Trump, who is seen as the likely GOP nominee, political analysts have told WRAL News.

Republicans have focused on Biden’s economic record. Americans' opinions about the economy are mixed as the stock market has made gains in the past year and as unemployment numbers are at record lows. But higher interest rates and inflation impact many — issues the GOP plans to highlight as it seeks to steer voters away from Biden.

Fifty-seven percent of Americans believe it is a good time to find a quality job, but 68% of Americans believe economic conditions in the country are getting worse, according to recent Gallup polls. That 68% number is down from the mid 80s in June 2022.

Republicans say they’re best positioned to solve the nation's problems and say voters in the state will recognize that.

North Carolina's primary election is March 5. Biden will be the lone Democrat on the ballot.

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