It’s a scene many would find surprising in 2024: in Georgia, some Black voters are warming up to Donald Trump and giving his campaign a second look. Joseph Parker, a lifelong Democrat, summed up what others are saying, “Things were different then… groceries, gas, everything’s so high now.” Parker, who’s 72, says Trump’s promises feel real, citing his follow-through as a reason he’s casting his first-ever vote for a Republican.
Polling backs up what’s happening on the ground: a shift in Black voters, especially men, who are considering Trump, and it’s adding fuel to his campaign in this battleground state. The Democrats, sensing this vulnerability, have leaned into outreach events across Georgia. From rural gatherings with Bill Clinton to events in cities like Atlanta featuring celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion, Harris’s campaign is working overtime. But for some, these efforts haven’t changed their stance.
Take Arthur Beauford, a 28-year-old first-time voter, who’s breaking family tradition and voting for Trump. “I’m not the biggest fan of Trump, but I’ll take him over Harris,” Beauford explained, pointing to Trump’s boldness and what he perceives as a stronger business acumen. Similarly, 25-year-old Samuel Kem has come around to Trump, noting he’s still concerned about issues like climate but impressed with Trump’s approach to foreign diplomacy. Even Fabienne Durocher, a Haitian immigrant who voted for Biden in 2020, shared a change of heart. “I didn’t like him. But now, I like him,” she said, finding common ground with Trump on issues like abortion.
Georgia’s changing dynamics are creating ripple effects. While Democrats are banking on tried-and-true strategies like community events and high-profile endorsements, Trump’s camp has zeroed in on Black voters traditionally out of reach. Through targeted events, door-to-door efforts, and voices within the Black community, Republicans are aiming to shift the margins just enough. The Faith & Freedom Coalition is even training Haitian Creole speakers to engage new voters.
Georgia has always been a numbers game, and this shift could be a defining factor for both parties. As Howard Franklin, a Democratic strategist, puts it, “There’s some appeal there” for Trump. Meanwhile, Jason Shepherd, a former Cobb County Republican chair, chalks it up to “good old-fashioned buyer’s remorse,” as voters reflect on their financial situations today compared to four years ago.
As Democrats and Republicans battle for Georgia, one thing’s clear: Trump’s appeal has defied expectations, with polls showing him neck and neck with Harris. For Black voters who aren’t traditionally swayed by political legacies, this election is about something closer to home—economics, safety, and trust. And while the final numbers remain uncertain, these shifts could be the twist that tips the balance in one of 2024’s most-watched races.
