Democrats are losing ground with one of their most reliable constituencies as new data reveals President Donald Trump’s approval rating among black voters has ticked up modestly compared to his first term, according to recent polling.
CNN data analyst Harry Enten noted that Trump’s approval among African American voters has risen from roughly 12% during his first term to about 16% in his second.
“I think what we’re seeing right now in the numbers is President Trump and the Republican Party are chipping away at the long-term advantage that Democrats have had with black voters,” Enten said.
Trump also saw gains among black voters in the 2024 election, winning approximately 15% of the vote, up from 8% in 2020.
A Pew poll indicates that top issues among black voters include the economy and healthcare, areas where Republicans have sought to make inroads in recent election cycles.
Some Republican organizers point to shifting attitudes among young voters. Camilla Moore, chair of the Georgia Black Republican Council, said some younger black men were siding with Trump because they “like the whole idea of feeling manly.”
“They like the idea of being independent,” she added. “They like the idea of being entrepreneurs and controlling their future.”
Gallup data shows the Democratic Party’s advantage among black voters has narrowed in recent years.
The modest shift comes as Republicans and Democrats look to solidify support ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, with the GOP aiming to expand its coalition and Democrats working to maintain their long-standing base of support among black voters.
