Kamala Harris began her second presidential campaign with strong momentum, securing Democratic Party backing, enlisting thousands of volunteers, and raising $200 million. The next 98 days will determine if she can convert this support into wins in both traditional strongholds and emerging battlegrounds that have been wavering under President Biden.
Georgia will be Harris’ next testing ground on Tuesday, where an Atlanta rally will feature Democratic Sens. Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, and Stacey Abrams. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion will perform. Harris’s early visit to Georgia signals the campaign’s renewed focus on this pivotal state.
Former President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris
Dan Kanninen, Harris’ battleground state director, emphasized the importance of turning enthusiasm into action. The Democratic path to victory hinges on Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, but keeping Georgia and other Sun Belt states competitive is crucial.
Democrats had previously doubted Georgia’s winnability, with voter frustration over inflation and Gaza’s conflict lowering turnout expectations. Biden’s May address at Morehouse College faced potential protests over his Gaza stance.
Following a debate in Atlanta, Biden went to North Carolina, which was seen as more likely to flip than Georgia. Now, Harris’ candidacy has reinvigorated Democratic hopes in Georgia. A senior strategist likened her impact to a “defibrillator,” energizing voters, especially young people and African Americans.
Former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan acknowledged that Trump’s electoral advantage in Georgia has waned, making Atlanta suburbs competitive again. Harris’ Georgia state director, Porsha White, detailed a strategy to win the state again, building on the momentum from 2020.
Over 7,500 volunteers joined Harris’ campaign last week, with serious donations and support boosts. Georgia Rep. Nikema Williams noted a surge in volunteerism and donations, attributing it to Harris’ energizing effect.
Polls indicate that Harris outperformed Biden against Trump among key Democratic groups. Winning Georgia is crucial not only for the White House but for maintaining gains in the state, which has shown signs of tilting blue.
Biden’s narrow 2020 win and subsequent Senate victories were seen as breakthroughs. However, Georgia remains a right-leaning state, as shown by Stacey Abrams’ loss to Gov. Brian Kemp in 2022.
Democrats hope for a different outcome in the upcoming election, with Harris seen as a fresh, unifying force. Grassroots efforts over the past decade have also made Georgia more competitive, contributing to Harris’ potential success.
