Democrats Target Black Turnout in 5 Southern States After Voting Rights Act Was Gutted
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Democrats Target Black Turnout in 5 Southern States After Voting Rights Act Was Gutted
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Summary
Black Democratic candidates across five Southern states are urging Black voters to turn out in November, arguing the rollback of Voting Rights Act protections makes electoral wins the clearest path to representation.
Democrats are testing races usually seen as out of reach despite steep Republican advantages, with Keisha Lance Bottoms in a Georgia governor tossup even while being outspent 9 to 1.
Mississippi prosecutor Scott Colom has drawn unusual national money in his Senate bid, while Florida nominee Angie Nixon advanced with strong Black voter support despite weak establishment backing and fundraising.
Redistricting remains a central obstacle in Alabama and North Carolina, where Shomari Figures and Don Davis are still competing in districts Republicans redrew to weaken Black Democratic voting strength.
The push reflects a broader Democratic bet that the gutting of federal voting-rights protections can be turned into a mobilizing issue across the South, even as Republicans remain confident.