The 'America First' group claims that its voter-targeting efforts influenced Trump's selection of WH leaders.

The top policy and advocacy group in the America First movement played a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election, with several of its chairmen set to join the new Trump administration, a top official stated.

Ashley Hayek, executive director of America First Works, informed Planet Chronicle in a Monday interview that her organization has managed to implement popular policies from the first Trump administration at the state level.

Hayek stated that America First Works focused on increasing voter turnout as its strategy to maintain the prominence of the political movement's message during the 2024 race.

She wondered how to better inform the public about these policies and motivate voters.

We conducted a comprehensive study and analysis of over 3,100 counties across the country and identified 21 critical counties that would be crucial for success. These counties were located in various states, including blue, red, purple, and those that were called in favor of Joe Biden in 2020 by only a 10,000 vote advantage.

The initiative, known as "Project 19," aimed to increase voter turnout among low- and no-propensity voters, specifically those who have not voted in the past four cycles, a unique approach in the campaigning world.

Trump's campaign targeted swing states and conservative states, but also blue states like New York and New Jersey. In New York, Trump came close to flipping it red, while a majority of its counties voted for the Republican, but were outweighed by the five boroughs, Erie County (Buffalo), and a few others.

"Major urban areas such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta are well-known, but their surrounding collar counties often become battlegrounds for both political parties."

Hayek stated that we would occasionally observe Kamala Harris door-knockers while on the ground, but not as frequently as we anticipated.

In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the group's efforts to maintain election integrity resulted in their focus on voters, following a lawsuit launched by the RNC after early voters were denied access to the Doylestown elections office.

"We directly messaged voters with the message, 'Stay in line, don't get out of line,'" she said.

"We would call ahead to determine the length of the line for some elderly individuals who were unable to wait that long."

"Conservatives want to make voting more accessible while making it harder to cheat, which has been their mantra throughout."

Hayek's group's canvassers observed a change in pro-Harris activity from the Sun Belt to the Rust Belt, which was President Biden's strategy.

Harris's lack of "strategic messaging" was not resonating in certain areas as it once did, prompting Hayek to suggest that she focus on shoring up those regions that were previously in Biden's stronghold.

Hayek, a native of California, stated that her group is highly active in the state, despite its liberal leanings.

She stated that she believes there is a cultural shift occurring and that the state of California will require a more local approach to addressing issues. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and working together effectively.

Hayek hopes that America First Works can continue to make progress in the elector-rich state, as former Rep. Lee Zeldin did by focusing on issues and avoiding hyper-partisanship.

At least four leaders from America First Works' partner group, the America First Policy Institute, have been appointed to positions in the new administration, including Zeldin.

Brooke Rollins and Linda McMahon are agriculture and education secretary-designates, respectively, while Zeldin and ex-Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., are also set to take on White House roles in 2025.

Hayek stated that this period is thrilling not only for America First Works but for all Americans.

"To ensure that the movement continues to have conversations with voters, it is crucial to collect information about the policies that people care about the most, such as the economy, the border, and education. This will enable the movement to continue these conversations in 2025, 2026, and beyond."

Planet Chronicle Digital's Emma Woodhead contributed to this report.