A recent Howard University poll reveals that a significant majority of Black likely voters in key battleground states are poised to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. With 82% backing her candidacy, Harris must engage undecided voters to match the high levels of support that President Joe Biden received in 2020.
Poll Overview
The poll surveyed 963 likely Black voters across Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—seven critical states in the election. In contrast, only 12% indicated support for former President Donald Trump, while 5% remain undecided.
Key Demographic Insights
While overall support for Harris is robust, significant differences emerge within specific demographics. Among voters aged 50 and older, 89% favor Harris, compared to 75% of younger voters aged 18 to 49. This age divide is particularly noticeable among Black men, where support for Harris among those under 50 drops to 72%, while it soars to 88% among older men.
Education’s Role in Voter Preferences
Education also plays a crucial role in voting preferences. College-educated Black voters overwhelmingly support Harris by 73 points, whereas those without college degrees still favor her but by a narrower margin of 68 points. Notably, 26% of men under 50 without college degrees lean toward Trump.
Motivations for Voting
Voters expressed their motivations for supporting Harris, highlighting her positions, values, and temperament as key factors. In contrast, Trump’s values and policies—especially regarding abortion and reproductive health—are viewed unfavorably by the majority of Black voters.
Concerns About Racial Tensions
The survey found that 84% of Black respondents fear a rise in hate or violence against African Americans should Trump win. Conversely, 45% expressed similar concerns if Harris were to become the second Black president. This reflects a deep awareness of the sociopolitical climate and its impact on the Black community.
With Harris’s strong support among Black swing-state voters, her campaign must focus on addressing the concerns of undecided voters to secure a decisive victory. The insights from this poll underscore the importance of understanding the diverse perspectives within the Black community, as these voices will be crucial in shaping the upcoming election.
