Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing hard to mobilize Black voters as her campaign enters the final stretch of the 2024 election. Speaking at the 53rd Annual Legislative Conference hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), Harris outlined her strategy to drive voter turnout in key swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Her campaign is focusing on rural Black voters, a crucial group that could make a difference in close races. As Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison explained, increasing turnout in rural areas reduces the pressure on urban centers and boosts Harris’ chances.
Harris Focuses on Rural Areas to Secure Swing States
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have prioritized campaign stops in cities like Savannah, Grand Rapids, and Pittsburgh. The campaign’s goal is clear: increase voter engagement in less urbanized parts of the country.
According to Harrison, Black and brown voters in these areas are key to winning. “If we can get the turnout in rural Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, it allows us to run up the score,” Harrison said confidently. Black voter turnout in rural areas could be a game-changer in these battleground states.
Addressing Younger Black Voters’ Concerns
While Harris enjoys strong support among older Black voters and Black women, she faces challenges with younger Black men. A recent NAACP poll found that 25% of younger Black men are backing Donald Trump, a trend her campaign is working to reverse.
Activists like Wes Bellamy are combating misinformation about Harris’ record, particularly around issues like gun rights and criminal justice reform. Bellamy and others are working on a 21-city tour aimed at boosting turnout among Black men in swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin.
Reigniting the Spirit of 2020’s Activist Movements
The Harris campaign is also looking to build on the momentum of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, which helped drive Joe Biden’s victory. Harris’ supporters hope to channel the same activist energy to boost voter turnout in 2024.
Rep. Cori Bush, a prominent activist, believes the key to Harris’ success is rekindling the fire of the 2020 protests. “We remember how Joe Biden won,” she said. “Now we need to turn that energy into votes for Kamala Harris.”
Groundwork for a High Voter Turnout
Harris’ campaign knows that winning in 2024 depends on intensive grassroots efforts. As Adrianne Shropshire from BlackPAC emphasized, “It will not happen without the necessary work. We must increase knocks on doors, mail, and digital efforts if we’re going to win.”
With the clock ticking, Harris and her team are pushing forward with a strategy that relies on voter engagement, particularly among Black voters in swing states. Their success may very well determine the outcome of the 2024 election.
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