Mike Bloomberg Spends Millions On Pro-Biden Ads In Key Battleground States Texas, Ohio

With Election Day just five days away, billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg is shelling out $15 million this week on pro-Biden video advertisements in the key battleground states of Texas and Ohio through his SuperPAC Independence USA.

Bloomberg’s internal pollsters reportedly show pickup opportunities for Biden in the two states. The move comes after the former New York City mayor already pledged to help Biden with up to $100 million in advertising in Florida.

"Mike looked at the polling data and it was clear that Texas and Ohio are in play for Biden. He is investing in expanding the map, beyond the 'blue wall' to places like Florida, Texas and Ohio, where it's close but a win could make a big difference," Bloomberg political adviser Kevin Sheekey recently told Fox News.

Bloomberg, who previously was a Republican and an independent, ran as a Democrat in presidential primaries. He has consistently voiced his criticism of Trump, describing Trump as a "dangerous demagogue" and "totally incompetent."

The increased attention on Texas and Ohio comes as polling shows both states are locked in tight races.

In Texas, the RealClearPolitics polling average shows Trump with a lead of 2.3 points. Texas is considered a "must-win" state for the Trump campaign, as it carries 38 electoral votes.

In 2016, Trump won Texas by a 9-point margin over Hillary Clinton, 52.2% to 43.2%. Biden is hoping a coalition of young, Black and Hispanic voters will help him win the state this cycle. Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who represented El Paso and nearly defeated Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018, has predicted that Biden will win Texas.

In Ohio, the RealClearPolitics polling average shows Biden and Trump tied at 46.2% support each. Like Texas, Ohio is also considered a must-win for Trump. Ohio has 18 electoral votes and no Republican has ever won the presidency without winning the state.

Trump won Ohio by an 8.1 point margin over Clinton, 51.6% to 43.5%. Biden is relying on strong support from suburban women to win the state.

Recent national polls show Biden with a strong lead in the general election. A CNN poll released Wednesday showed Biden leading Trump by 12 points, 54%-42%.