Senate Dems target Black voters with new ad as Harris’ support falls short

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) is launching a new advertising campaign targeting Black media outlets across seven key states with pivotal Senate races: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Maryland, Texas, and Florida.

These ads are aimed at highlighting the critical importance of voting in the upcoming elections, amid concerns about a potential drop in Black voter enthusiasm. The message reads: "Our vote. Our power. Make your voice heard, make your plan to vote. IWillVote.com."

Starting on Wednesday, the ads will appear in outlets such as the Florida Star, the Baltimore Times/Annapolis Times, the Michigan Chronicle, Ohio's Call & Post, the West Philly Journal, Houston Style Magazine, Dallas Weekly, and the Milwaukee Community Journal.

"Black voters hold the power to influence the outcome of the 2024 election and will play a crucial role in maintaining the Senate majority that is fighting for the values and priorities that matter to Black Americans," said DSCC Deputy Executive Director Jessica Knight Henry. She emphasized that this campaign is designed to engage Black voters directly, providing essential information to help them make their voting plans for the 2024 Senate election.

This effort to boost Black voter turnout comes as recent polls show former President Donald Trump gaining traction with Black men, traditionally a strong base for Democrats. Harris' campaign, in particular, faces a gap between her current support from Black voters and Biden’s performance in 2020.

A recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College revealed that 76% of Black voters would back Harris if the election were held today. While a solid majority, it falls short of the 90% who supported Biden in 2020 when he defeated Trump.

In response, Harris’ campaign has rolled out an "Opportunity Agenda for Black Men," which includes fully forgivable loans for Black entrepreneurs, new regulations for cryptocurrency, and the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Critics from the Republican camp, such as National Republican Senate Committee Communications Director Mike Berg, have pointed to economic issues, immigration, and government spending as reasons for Black voters' discontent with Harris and Senate Democrats. "Black voters don’t like paying insanely high prices at the grocery store, mass illegal immigration, and having their taxpayer funds used to pay for gender transition surgery for murderers," Berg said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Democrats have expressed concern about maintaining Black voter support. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., recently admitted his worry about Black men either staying home or switching their votes to Trump. Former President Barack Obama echoed this sentiment in Pennsylvania, noting that some men may be hesitant about electing a female president, though they may attribute it to other factors.

In an effort to connect with Black voters, particularly men, Harris recently participated in an audio town hall with Charlamagne Tha God, the co-host of "The Breakfast Club," a popular radio show among Black listeners. Harris stressed that votes need to be earned, saying, "That’s why I’m out here."