The 2020 Election cycle is heating up, with Pennsylvania emerging as a key battleground state and a major focus for both candidates.

In the past week, both President Trump and former Vice President Biden visited the state and sparred over issues likely to be critical to Pennsylvanians. After months of campaigning virtually, Biden gave a speech and answered press questions in Pittsburgh on Sept. 5.

As in years prior, one of Pennsylvania’s keystone voting issues is energy. Fracking, the practice of extracting natural oil and gas via drilling has long been important to the state’s economy. This process has sometimes pitted environmentalists against oil production companies and workers.

When it came to this issue, Biden was on defense. 

“I am not banning fracking,” Biden said. “Let me say that again. I am not banning fracking, no matter how many times Donald Trump lies about me.”

Meanwhile, Trump traveled to Westmoreland County, saying, “Biden — he wants to end fracking, end petroleum products — end petroleum. No natural gas, no nothing. End everything. And that’s it.” 

On a broader note, Pew Research Center data reveals that the main issue for 2020 voters is the economy. 

While Trump boasts high job numbers and claims to have “built the greatest economy in the world,” Biden promises an “economic recovery plan for working families.”

Other major issues include healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump stands by his response, stating, “America will develop a vaccine very soon, and we will defeat the virus. We will have it delivered in record time.” 

Trump also leverages economic strength, stating, “We are recovering at a much faster rate than any other nation.”

Democrats are skeptical. In particular, Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris recently stated that she “would not trust Donald Trump” when it comes to a COVID-19 vaccine.

With both sides motivated and expecting high voter turnout, this election remains unpredictable. In fact, renowned political analyst Harry Enten believes “2020 could come down to one electoral vote.” 

There are several key battleground states for the 2020 election. Many, as reported on Pennlive, believe Pennsylvania “tops the list.”