Harris Gains Black Voter Support, Trump Rises Among White Voters: Poll

Recent polling data reveals significant shifts in voter support for the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election. Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, is garnering increased backing from Black voters compared to her predecessor, while Donald Trump sees a rise in support among white voters.

According to an analysis of Reuters/Ipsos polls, Harris secured 70% of Black voter support in July, a notable increase from the 59% that backed Biden in May and June. This surge comes after Biden withdrew from the race on July 21, 2024, following a poorly received debate performance against Trump on June 27, 2024.

Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, brings a unique background to the presidential race. As the daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother, she identifies as both Black and Asian American. Her potential election would mark several historic firsts, including the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to hold the presidency.

Meanwhile, Trump's support among white voters has increased from 46% in May and June to 50% in July. The overall race remains tight, with both candidates polling at 43% support.

The importance of the Black vote cannot be overstated for the Democratic Party. In the 2020 election, Black voters played a crucial role in Biden's victory, particularly in states like Georgia. However, concerns about the cost of living and perceived lack of progress on racial justice issues have led to some disillusionment among this demographic.

Harris's political career includes serving as California's Attorney General from 2011 to 2017 and as a U.S. Senator since 2017. She briefly ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 before joining Biden's ticket. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and racial justice issues.

"She only promoted her Indian heritage in the past."

Trump has made false accusations about Harris's heritage, claiming she downplayed her Black ancestry. These comments were met with disapproval at a convention of Black journalists.

As the November 5, 2024, election approaches, Harris faces the challenge of consolidating support among Black voters, young voters, and women of color to compensate for potential weaknesses among white voters, particularly white men and seniors.

The poll analysis combined multiple surveys to examine trends among various racial and ethnic groups, with margins of error ranging from 2 to 6 percentage points.