UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump insisted a rally here on Wednesday was more than an add-on for a fundraising swing: He’s serious about winning the state of his birth, which has voted Democratic in every presidential election since 1984.

Trump will be campaigning Wednesday evening in Nassau County, a Republican stronghold in a reliably blue state with weeks to go before Election Day.

For Republicans interviewed by Newsday, Trump’s visit is the ultimate opportunity to boost base support for down-ballot candidates including Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park), who is running against Democrat Laura Gillen for New York’s 4th congressional district, a seat long held by Democrats before he flipped it two years ago.