Black voters in Georgia react to Kamala Harris’ candidacy to become president

(CNN)- Polls this month show President Joe Biden trailing former President Donald Trump by four to five points. However, Black voters, a demographic that strongly supported Biden, are now expressing their thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I think she definitely has the ability to be a great leader of this country,” said Naomi Cargill, a voter. Michaela Shelton added, “Being 107 days or less away from the election is kind of scary, but I do think a shakeup needed to happen.”

In Georgia, a critical battleground state where Black voters are a key demographic for Democrats, many expressed enthusiasm for Harris and her prospects for the White House.

“I’m excited and I think that she will continue to build momentum,” said Leah Davis, a voter. Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, one of Atlanta’s largest, recently met with Harris. “I didn’t think it was real,” he said. “History was made within six hours. She was able to raise $63 million dollars.”

Georgia was crucial to Biden’s 2020 win, where he became the first Democrat to win the state since 1992, defeating Trump by fewer than 12,000 votes. Black voters made up nearly 30 percent of the electorate and backed Biden by more than 70 points. “The most consistent voting block for the Democratic party has been Black women,” Bryant noted.

Both campaigns are aware of these numbers. Trump’s allies quickly launched ads attacking Harris following Biden’s exit from the race.

Some voters expressed a renewed energy about the presidential race. “I was energized, this is the political discourse that I wanted to see our community have. And then also it just reinvigorated the fire within myself,” said Ray Hill, a voter. Dr. Troy Gibbons added, “I think she’s gonna have overwhelming support in Atlanta and, you know, but I think she should have overwhelming support in general, with women, especially.” Anthony Wilson remarked, “I saw her when she announced her presidency in Oakland years ago. So it’s come full circle to see her launch again is really exciting.”

Others expressed caution. “Overall general opinion is yes, but it is going to take some effort and a lot of hard work,” said Cargill. Sannika Mathew added, “I think most people don’t know perhaps what she’s done for the country so far.”

Harris supporters remain optimistic about the road ahead. “Last night we did a Zoom call for Black women, 47,000 Black women on one call. And so, I’m telling you, it’s really a movement that is taking place. 100 days to go is gonna be something that America has never seen before,” Bryant said.

It should be noted that Harris has not yet secured the Democratic nomination, but she has gained key endorsements, and no one within the party has challenged her candidacy.