Harris Nomination Boosts Black Voter Engagement for 2024 Election
Kamala Harris's nomination as Democratic candidate has significantly increased Black voter engagement, especially among younger women, according to a recent poll. Her favorability surpasses Biden's among Black Americans.
The nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate has sparked a notable increase in Black voter engagement for the upcoming 2024 election. A recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll reveals that 69% of Black Americans are now "absolutely certain to vote" in November, up from 62% in April.
This surge in political interest is particularly pronounced among younger Black Americans, with a 15 percentage point increase in voting certainty for those under 30. Black women under 40 have shown an even more significant rise, with an 18-point increase to 57%.
Harris, who became the Democratic nominee in July 2024, has garnered strong support from the Black community. 82% of Black registered voters indicate they will "definitely" or "probably" vote for her, surpassing the 74% who supported Biden in April. Notably, 68% now say they will "definitely" vote for the Democratic candidate, a substantial increase from 48% for Biden earlier this year.
The poll also highlights Harris's growing popularity among Black Americans. 72% view her favorably, with nearly half (48%) expressing a "very favorable" opinion. This marks a significant improvement from April when her favorability stood at 59%.
Black voters trust Harris more than Trump on various issues, often by wider margins than Biden held previously. For instance, on handling the economy, Harris leads Trump by 60% to 15%, compared to Biden's 50% to 16% lead in April.
"I think it's a step forward to have a Black woman represented. But I also think Kamala Harris will enact policies that she believes will favor African Americans. I think she understands the plight of African Americans and the ways they've been left behind."
The poll also addressed Trump's recent comments questioning Harris's racial identity. 75% of Black Americans found these remarks disrespectful to Harris, with 71% viewing them as disrespectful to Black people overall.
Despite potential challenges, many Black Americans believe Harris's race and gender could be advantageous in the election. 36% think her racial identity will make people more likely to vote for her, while 41% believe it won't make a difference.
As the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be elected Vice President, Harris brings a unique perspective to the presidential race. Her background as a U.S. Senator, California Attorney General, and advocate for criminal justice reform resonates with many Black voters.
With the election scheduled for November 5, 2024, Harris and her team are working to maintain and expand this increased engagement among Black voters, a crucial demographic for the Democratic party.
