Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz will campaign in Georgia on Wednesday. This state, narrowly won by Democrats in 2020, could be crucial in this year’s election.
Since Harris became the nominee last month, she aims to energize Black voters, who make up about one-third of Georgia’s electorate. Harris and Walz will tour southern Georgia, a region with significant Black populations, where the campaign has bolstered staff and opened new field offices.
Before President Joe Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Harris, polls showed Donald Trump with a clear lead in Georgia, and some Black voters were dissatisfied with Democrats. However, Harris has recently gained ground, aided by over $500 million in donations. Current polls from FiveThirtyEight show her trailing Trump by just 0.6 percentage points in Georgia, compared to a five-point deficit before she entered the race.
Georgia last supported a Democrat for president in 1992. If elected, Harris would be the first female president in U.S. history. As a Black and South Asian woman, she aims to strengthen Democratic support among Black voters and engage new voter groups.
Harris’s campaign will focus on the economy and abortion rights during this trip, including a pledge to reduce consumer costs. The tour will conclude with a rally in Savannah on Thursday.
This is Harris’s second visit to Georgia since becoming the Democratic candidate. Her earlier rally in Atlanta, featuring Megan Thee Stallion, drew over 10,000 attendees.
Georgia, with its 16 electoral votes, remains a key battleground state. Republicans have increased their spending in the state, and recent changes by the Republican-controlled election board could potentially delay vote certification.
Trump has emphasized the importance of winning Georgia for his party and the country. He is expected to campaign there multiple times before Election Day on November 5. Recent polls have shown Harris gaining a slight edge over Trump, particularly on issues related to the economy and crime.
