Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining significant support from Black women voters due to her focus on health care issues such as maternal mortality, reproductive rights, and gun control. This surge of enthusiasm from Black women voters is crucial for Democratic turnout in key battleground states.
Black women have historically been a reliable voting bloc for the Democratic party, playing a pivotal role in the election victories of former President Barack Obama. The enthusiasm for President Joe Biden in 2020 was also high among Black women. However, with Biden leaving the race and Harris becoming the Democratic nominee, his support among this critical demographic had been fading, potentially impacting voter turnout in swing states.
The support for the Democratic ticket among Black voters has seen an increase, with 77% of Black voters supporting Harris in August according to the Pew Research Center. This support, especially among Black women, has grown significantly since Biden’s departure, as indicated by polling data.
Gun safety issues, particularly in the wake of a recent shooting in Georgia, could be a key factor in attracting support from Black women voters. Harris’ favorable rating among Black women increased to 82% in August, up from 67% in May, according to the Pew Research Center.
Moreover, the focus on health issues that are important to Black women, such as maternal mortality, has resonated with this demographic. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, highlighting the urgent need for improved access to quality health care and addressing underlying issues of bias and racism.
Harris has been actively involved in co-sponsoring legislation aimed at improving maternal health, particularly for Black women. The Biden administration has also taken steps to expand maternal health initiatives and provide more funding for programs that support maternal health care.
In addition to health issues, Harris’ stance on gun reform, including banning assault weapons and implementing universal background checks, aligns with the priorities of many Black women voters. The Highland Project poll shows that 84% of Black women favor Harris on gun reform over Trump.
The efforts to mobilize Black women voters have been effective, with initiatives like the Win With Black Women network engaging thousands of participants in planning calls. The enthusiasm among Black women voters is a positive sign for the Democratic party, especially in states where turnout can make a significant difference in election outcomes.
Overall, Harris’ focus on key issues that matter to Black women, along with her track record of advocating for policies that address maternal health and gun violence, has solidified her support among this important voting demographic. The increased engagement and motivation of Black women voters could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the upcoming elections.