Why Black Voters Remain Crucial to Democratic Success, Says Columnist
The column argues that African-American voters are the core of the Democratic coalition and advises candidates to prioritize them.
In a recent opinion piece, the writer contends that African-American voters form the backbone of the Democratic Party and that appealing to them is essential for primary and general-election victories. He examines polling data from Wisconsin, noting Francesca Hong's close alignment with polls and David Crowley's unexpected rise after re-entering the race, while Abdul El-Sayed underperformed despite favorable polling. The analysis underscores that candidates who win Black support, such as Haley Stevens, tend to have stronger overall prospects.
The author also ridicules Mike Lindell's poor performance in the Minnesota gubernatorial race despite high-profile endorsements. Finally, he rebuts Ross Douthat's claims about "blue-state" decline, labeling them as alarmist. The piece calls on Democrats to focus campaign resources on Black communities to secure future wins.
Why it matters
Understanding the pivotal role of Black voters helps shape Democratic campaign strategies for upcoming elections.
How this story developed
- Jul 28 Early Voting Starts Amid Turbulent Wisconsin Democratic Governor Primary
- Aug 10 Democratic insiders warned that GOP fraud accusations could be directed at Flanagan.
- Aug 11 Republican Representative Tom Tiffany warned that a Hong victory could bring far‑left policies to Wisconsin.
- Aug 11 Recent polls show Hong holding a double‑digit lead over Crowley.
- Aug 11 The Democratic primary will determine if Hong, a former chef and single mother, becomes the party's nominee for governor, challenging the endorsement of retiring Gov. Tony Evers for Crowley. Hong leads in a recent poll with 38% support, while Crowley trails at 7% and other candidates have withdrawn. Her campaign emphasizes grassroots organizing, claiming 120,000 door knocks and a focus on issues such as legalizing marijuana, raising wages, and protecting freedoms. Critics warn her victory could affect donor contributions and raise questions about the party's ability to win the general election against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.
- Aug 11 David Crowley re‑entered the race after receiving Gov. Tony Evers’s endorsement.
- Aug 11 Immigration and fraud issues have become central themes of the Democratic Senate primary.
- Aug 11 Democratic leaders announced a statewide unity tour featuring a breakfast with Baldwin and Pocan and a Milwaukee rally for Crowley.
- Aug 12 Flanagan secured the Democratic nomination with about 59% of the vote.
- Aug 12 With three‑quarters of votes counted, Hong and Crowley are separated by less than one point, keeping the Democratic nomination undecided.
- Aug 12 State Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America member, lost to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in Wisconsin's Democratic governor primary.
- Aug 12 Wisconsin holds its Democratic gubernatorial primary with Francesca Hong and David Crowley as the final contenders.
- Aug 12 Crowley will face Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November general election.
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