Kamala Harris Gains Strong Support Among Detroit’s Black Voters, Driven by Gun Safety and Economics

Photo byKamala Harris For President

A recent poll reveals that Black voters in Detroit are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, with gun safety and economic issues taking center stage as key priorities in the upcoming elections.

Detroit’s Black Voters Rally Behind Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining significant support among Black voters in Detroit, according to a new poll conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund, Rolling Sea Action Fund, and Global Strategy Group. The survey, which included 1,000 Black registered voters in battleground states like Michigan, shows that Harris has a commanding lead over former President Donald Trump, underscoring her appeal among Detroit’s Black community.

In Harris boasts a favorability rating of 81% among Black voters, with many respondents expressing a strong desire to see her lead the country. Harris’s performance as Vice President is also highly rated, with 79% of voters approving of the job she’s done so far. This places Harris in a favorable position to unite Black voters in Detroit more effectively than President Biden, who has not reached the same level of support among this demographic.

Gun Safety is a Major Issue for Detroit Voters

Gun safety is emerging as a top priority for Black voters in Detroit, with 33% of respondents ranking it as their most important issue for Congress and the President to address. The poll reveals that over 90% of Black voters in the city support common-sense gun violence prevention measures, such as universal background checks, secure firearm storage requirements, and increased funding for community violence intervention programs.

Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, highlighted the importance of these findings: “The poll shows that an overwhelming majority of Black voters in Detroit back Vice President Harris and want leaders who will push for stronger gun safety laws. It’s clear that these voters are eager to reject Donald Trump and his guns everywhere agenda, which disproportionately harms Black communities.”

In Detroit, gun safety is not just a concern—it’s a mobilizing issue. Fully 80% of Black voters in the city stated that messages about protecting Black children and communities from gun violence are a powerful motivator to vote for Democratic candidates this November. This focus on community safety resonates deeply, as Detroit continues to grapple with high levels of gun violence.

Economic Concerns and Abortion Access Also Top Priorities

Economic issues are also at the forefront for Detroit’s Black voters, with inflation and the cost of living cited by 46% as the most pressing concerns for elected leaders to address. The rising cost of living, combined with worries about economic stability, are motivating factors that could drive voter turnout in the upcoming elections.

Access to abortion is another critical issue for Detroit voters, with 31% considering it a dealbreaker when deciding which candidates to support. As national debates around abortion access continue, Detroit’s Black voters are making it clear that they expect their leaders to protect these rights.

Detroit’s Black Voters Reject MAGA Republicans

The poll also reveals a clear rejection of MAGA Republicans among Black voters in Detroit. Only 6% of Detroit’s Black voters view MAGA Republicans favorably, with even lower favorability ratings for Donald Trump (10%) and Ohio Senator JD Vance (10%). This widespread disapproval suggests that Detroit’s Black community is looking for leadership that aligns more closely with their values and concerns.

Niccara Campbell Wallace, Executive Director of Rolling Sea Action Fund, emphasized the need for continued mobilization: “Detroit’s Black voters are ready to send a message to Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans that they have no business running our country. But the results also show that we have work to do in the final stretch—we must continue to organize and mobilize to ensure Vice President Harris wins and that we can make progress on keeping our communities safe from gun violence, driving down the cost of living, and protecting a woman’s right to healthcare.”

Mobilization Efforts Focused on Detroit’s Voters

In response to these findings, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and Victory Fund have launched a $45 million electoral program, with a focus on engaging Black voters, young voters on college campuses, and suburban women in battleground states, including Michigan. This initiative is aimed at supporting "gun sense" candidates who advocate for stronger gun safety laws and countering the influence of gun extremists in key districts.

The poll underscores the critical opportunity for Democrats in Detroit to leverage their positions on gun safety and abortion access as key differentiators against Republican candidates. However, with 14% of Detroit’s Black voters still undecided or considering third-party candidates, there is a clear need for ongoing engagement to secure these votes in the final months before the election.

Your Turn - Like this, or hate it?

Please offer a comment. However, profane or threatening comments are eliminated. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from Thumbwind Publications.