Donald Trump has hired a new pollster who will focus solely on the billionaire’s home state of New York, according to a new report.
John McLaughlin will help survey Trump’s traction with Empire State voters, according to The New York Times.
In June 2014, Republicans warned candidates against hiring McLaughlin, who incorrectly predicted that former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (Va.) was ahead by a large margin shortly before his stunning primary loss to now-Rep. Dave Brat (Va.).
{mosads}The presumptive presidential nominee has repeatedly insisted he will turn New York red during in November. His Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, served as a senator from the state for eight years and remains a resident.
The New York Times on Wednesday said the state has not chosen a Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1984.
The extent of McLaughlin’s role on the campaign remains unclear, the newspaper added.
The Times reported McLaughlin and Trump have known each other since 2011, when the businessman last considered a White House run.
McLaughlin helped Trump craft a draft campaign plan that year for the 2012 election cycle, it said, including a campaign manager and a state director in New Hampshire. McLaughlin’s suggested state director in New Hampshire was Corey Lewandowski, who currently serves as Trump’s campaign manager.
The Times added that Dick Morris, a veteran GOP strategist, introduced McLaughlin to Trump during their initial meeting.
Trump’s campaign announced the hiring of its first pollster last month, Tony Fabrizio.
Fabrizio, who is also advising Rep. Ron DeSantis’s (R) Florida Senate campaign, helped guide Gov. Rick Scott’s (R) victory there in 2010. He also played an advisory role in Republican Matt Bevin’s successful bid for Kentucky governor last year.
Fabrizio is longtime friends with Paul Manafort, Trump’s convention manager; and Roger Stone, a former adviser to the Trump campaign.
Trump frequently touts his polling successes on the campaign trail. The GOP’s de facto presidential nominee has also used unflattering survey results to mock his opponents.