Despite President Joe Biden dedicating time and resources to Milwaukee during this election cycle, his support there has significantly waned compared to 2020 due to skepticism from black voters, according to a recent report from Politico Magazine. The report suggests that these “serious and lingering doubts about Biden and whether he’s delivered on his promises” may cost him the critical swing state of Wisconsin.
The issue is not confined to Milwaukee; nationwide polling shows alarmingly low levels of support for Biden among black and Latino voters in traditionally Democratic areas. Lorenzo Davis, a barber and ambassador for Black Men Vote, told Politico he was voting for Trump because “he’s about business.” Davis also expressed agreement with Trump on the need for more American-made products.
Another barber, Rome Simmons, criticized Biden for his handling of the border crisis and perceived lack of criminal justice reform. Khalif Rainey, a former city council member, emphasized that many black folks still feel “prioritized” by Biden. They see other groups receiving rental assistance, legal services, and public benefits while potholes and “decrepit buildings” plague their neighborhoods.
Some black voters also oppose Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions against Hamas. These voters are increasingly siding with protest groups that cast dissatisfaction votes against Biden in the Democratic presidential primary in April. First-term Democratic state Rep. Darrin Madison told Politico that Biden has not done enough to help Milwaukee, stating that they “have shown up for the photo ops but have not been building on the ground.
A recent CBS poll revealed that Trump had garnered 24 percent support among black voters nationwide. This shift in political preference highlights the importance of addressing the concerns and needs of black voters to secure their support in future elections.