Trump and Harris Compete for Black Voters in Crucial Georgia Election – Reuters

By Tim Reid and James Oliphant

VALDOSTA, Georgia – Vivian Childs, a passionate supporter of Donald Trump, recently shared her insights with a group of Republicans on how to connect with Black voters in the critical state of Georgia.

At a gathering in the newly opened office of the former president in Valdosta, Childs emphasized the importance of focusing on Trump’s economic policies, addressing illegal immigration, and tackling inflation. She urged the attendees to communicate to voters what Trump has accomplished and highlight his potential to bring about much-needed change. "We are the party of hope," she proclaimed. "We are the party of truth."

The atmosphere in the office was charged with urgency. Trump has described Georgia as a must-win state—one he previously believed was secure until Kamala Harris entered the race as his Democratic opponent in July. Her candidacy sparked significant enthusiasm, shifting polling in Georgia to show a tight race, contrasting sharply with early July when Trump held a lead over President Joe Biden by as much as six percentage points.

The focus is particularly strong on attracting Black voters, who represent about one-third of Georgia’s population, the largest concentration of Black voters among the closely contested states heading into the November 5 election.

However, Trump’s efforts to gain Black support are complicated by the community’s historical allegiance to the Democratic Party, his previous racially charged comments, and a background of Republican-led voting restrictions that many activists believe hamper Black voter turnout. Republicans, however, deny any intention to suppress votes.

Childs, who is part of the national "Black Americans for Trump" coalition, acknowledged that Harris’s nomination initially invigorated the race in Georgia. "There was a lot of excitement, absolutely," she noted, adding, "She’s Black and a woman." Yet, she contended that this excitement is dwindling.

"We must end the division based on appearance," Childs stressed. She encouraged dialogue with Black voters in the same manner as with white voters, urging them to consider Trump’s policies and achievements for all Americans.

A senior Trump campaign official, who requested anonymity, revealed that there is a strong interest in reaching out to young Black men, who may feel disenfranchised by the Democrats amid rising prices, and who see potential economic prospects under Trump’s leadership.

Across churches, county fairs, neighborhood canvassing, social media, and radio, both campaigns are actively courting Black voters—a demographic that has historically leaned Democratic, yet where Trump appears to be making inroads, according to recent polls.

Essence Johnson, chair of the Democratic Party in Cobb County, a diverse area near Atlanta, noted, "It has gotten really intense in Georgia." This was particularly evident at the Pig and Peaches barbecue festival, where clear contrasts emerged between the Democratic and Republican booths. The Democrats promoted initiatives like student loan forgiveness, support for historically Black colleges, and reduced drug prices, while Republicans focused on issues such as inflation, economic opportunity, and faith.

Cobb County reflects the significant demographic shifts that have turned Georgia into a battleground. Once a predominantly Republican area, it is now about 30% Black, 14% Hispanic, and 6% Asian—an evolution that aided Biden in winning Georgia in 2020.

Johnson reflected on the impact of Harris’s entry into the race, remarking, "It’s a reflection in the mirror for a lot of us." Attendance at Black community forums surged significantly after Harris entered the race.

Before Biden exited the race, Trump’s campaign had initially invested less than $3 million in advertising in Georgia. However, following Harris’s emergence as a contender, the campaign dramatically ramped up its spending to over $30 million through August, outpacing her campaign’s budget.

Both campaigns have committed to investing over $37 million each in Georgia leading up to Election Day, highlighting the strategic importance of the state. The Georgia Black Republican Council, which supports Trump, is also initiating ads on Black radio to emphasize issues like immigration, the economy, and opposition to abortion.

Negative advertisements targeting Harris from Trump’s campaign have centered around inflation and immigration issues, while Harris’s campaign has focused on proposals aimed at lowering drug prices, taxing large corporations, and providing financial relief for working families.

Polls indicate that Trump received about 11% of the Black vote in Georgia during the 2020 election. For Trump to secure victory in the state, he would need to increase that share, a scenario that could ease pressures on him to win key Midwestern states. However, his often controversial remarks about Harris, a Black and South Asian woman, may risk alienating some voters.

"God help our souls if Trump wins the election," expressed Demetrious Hall Sr., a Black voter in Savannah, who criticized Trump’s rhetoric and plans to support Harris instead.

In response, Childs cited Trump’s policies that purportedly reduced Black unemployment and supported historically Black colleges. She countered claims of Trump being racist by asking, "Based on what?"

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s success in increasing his share of the Black vote in 2022 serves as a relevant example. Kemp focused on economic issues and gun rights, which contributed to a notable increase in support from Black voters compared to previous elections.

Black businessman Bruce LeVell noted that Trump’s focus on economic issues resonates with voters of color, particularly among Black men and women concerned about their financial situations.

At the Embassy church in Austell, senior pastor B. Dwayne Hardin advocates for conservative values among his congregation, stating that the country faces significant ideological challenges and stressing the importance of voting for those who "shake things up." While he doesn’t explicitly instruct his members to vote for Trump, he endorses his alignment with key issues such as individual liberty and economic empowerment, advising his congregation to look beyond skin color when casting their votes.