With the presidential election just weeks away, Kamala Harris is intensifying her outreach to Black and Latino voters amid signs that Donald Trump is gaining ground among these communities. Despite a lead with both groups, recent polls suggest a potential drop-off in support compared to past Democratic campaigns, with Black and Latino men notably more receptive to Trump’s message on economic concerns, immigration, and social issues.
Economic pressures top the list of concerns for many voters. High inflation and the cost of living under the Biden administration have left a tangible impact, leading some voters to reconsider their political allegiance. “Inflation has made it extremely challenging for people to provide basic necessities,” said Virginia resident Quenton Jordan, a former Obama supporter who has backed Trump since 2016. Meanwhile, Las Vegas resident Lydia Dominguez noted that many Latinos remember the stronger economy under Trump, which she says has made supporting him less of a taboo.
Immigration remains another decisive factor. Trump’s hardline stance on border security has resonated with some Black and Latino voters who believe current policies have led to increased competition for resources. Trump supporter Rolando Rodriguez, who lives near the U.S.-Mexico border, called the border situation “a disaster under Kamala and Biden,” while Jordan expressed frustration over resources being used for new migrants instead of for long-neglected Black communities.
Social issues, particularly related to gender and sexuality, have also pushed some voters toward Trump. Professor Quadricos Driskel attributes this shift to a perception among Black male voters that Democratic stances challenge traditional notions of masculinity. This was echoed by South Carolina voter Clarence Pauling, who believes that the Democratic Party’s stance on social issues veers too far from his own values, saying, “You can’t go create your own agenda.”
In response to the polling data, Harris has rolled out her “opportunity agenda for Black men,” aiming to connect with Black entrepreneurs and media figures in key swing states. Yet Trump’s polling momentum led him to assert confidently, “Our poll numbers have gone through the roof with Black and Hispanic voters.” As both candidates vie for support, it’s clear that Black and Latino voters are emerging as pivotal groups whose votes may ultimately decide the election.
