In the small town of Belfast, Pennsylvania—a namesake of Northern Ireland’s famously divided capital—the political landscape mirrors the polarization seen across the United States. Nestled in the swing state of Pennsylvania, this Belfast finds itself at the center of the country’s electoral battleground, where political signs dot front yards, and nearly every resident has picked a side.
For local supporter Patty Bowman, loyalty is worn on her sleeve—quite literally. Decked out in a stars-and-stripes hoodie, a MAGA baseball cap, and a T-shirt featuring a photograph of Donald Trump, Bowman is outspoken in her support. “I love everything about him,” she says with a laugh. She even owns a hat with a tuft of Trump-style hair on top. “This is my President,” reads her T-shirt, which is emblazoned with cartoon bullet holes in a striking show of defiance.
At Petey’s Eateys, a popular diner in town, the mood is welcoming but cautious. “It’s a little one-sided around here,” chuckles Nikki Ebner, the manager, when asked about the political climate. Though hesitant to disclose their views outright, some staff members hint at their support for Trump, citing economic worries above all else. “The economy has gone to the toilet,” says Kim Detrick, who shares that financial concerns are paramount to her, even if Trump’s rhetoric can be divisive.
Yet, not everyone is thrilled with the relentless campaigning. “I wish it was over,” sighs Ryan Genua, a resident who finds the constant knocks on his door—one for Trump, one for Vice President Kamala Harris—a bit too much. “We need a break from this.”
In this Belfast, political fervor is woven into daily life. Local newspapers are filled with headlines on candidate visits, each one a reminder of Pennsylvania’s crucial role in the upcoming election. For Patty Siegfried, the nightly news has become essential viewing. “It’s so divided here in Northampton County—it’s almost neck and neck,” she says, closely following developments on both sides. While open to hearing different viewpoints, she leaves little doubt about her allegiance. “Donald Trump is like me,” she says passionately. “Tell it like it is. I like his rhetoric. I don’t care about his personal business.”
As Election Day nears, the residents of Belfast, Pennsylvania, remain firmly entrenched in their beliefs. Here, as in Belfast, Northern Ireland, political division seems almost ingrained, and with minds already made up, changing allegiances in these final hours will be no easy feat.
