Great news for Democrats! Kamala Harris is energizing voters in Nevada, but the state is still up for grabs.
Kamala Harris Ignites Excitement in Nevada
Las Vegas, NV – Last week, the Democratic campaign headquarters in southwest Las Vegas was buzzing with excitement. Volunteers swapped their Biden-Harris signs for new ones that read “Harris for President.”
President Biden recently stepped down from the 2024 race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris. This shift has injected fresh energy into the Democratic campaign, dubbed “Kamala-mentum” online.
“It’s good to finally see this place full again,” said one volunteer, holding a “Stop Trump” sign.
The Democrats hope this newfound enthusiasm will help them hold onto swing states like Nevada, which has recently seemed to be slipping away due to discontent with Biden’s economic policies.
The Changing Political Landscape in Nevada
Despite Nevada not voting for a Republican president since 2004, recent polls show a shift. A June Fox News poll indicated that Trump had a small lead over Biden. However, Democrats are optimistic that Harris will appeal to voters who felt unrepresented by the previous candidates.
Maria Nieto Orta, president of the Young Democrats of Nevada, highlighted the significance of Harris’s candidacy:
“I think that is really coming from the vice president not only being a woman, but a woman of color and being younger. I think we really resonate with that a lot.”
Over 3,000 Nevadans have signed up to volunteer for Harris since she became the likely nominee. Nationally, the campaign has raised $200 million and recruited over 170,000 new volunteers.
The Appeal of Kamala Harris
Harris’s outspoken stance on abortion rights could be a key factor in swaying female suburban voters. Her team is working hard to translate the current enthusiasm into actual votes.
Interviews with more than two dozen voters in Las Vegas reveal a common desire for significant change. Although their political views vary, many are still undecided.
Nevada‘s economy is a major concern for many voters. The state has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, coupled with rising housing costs and high gas prices.
Engaging Nonpartisan Voters
Nevada’s nonpartisan voters, who represent a larger portion of the electorate than either party, are a crucial target for both Democrats and Republicans.
Sondra Cosgrove, a professor at the College of Southern Nevada, emphasised the importance of addressing the issues that matter to these voters:
“This nonpartisan group is very diverse and young. So any party that reaches out to them and really listens to their issues could benefit in a big way.”
Harris has embraced social media to engage younger voters, launching a TikTok account and participating in the “Brat” summer trend.
The Economic Struggle
Vegas’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, was devastated during COVID-19. Despite signs of recovery, many residents are still struggling.
Raeshawn Gaines, a Las Vegas resident, shared her frustrations:
“My bimonthly shop was $200 more than last time, and my utility bills have risen astronomically.”
Gaines, who had been leaning towards not voting for Biden, now firmly supports Harris:
“Just for the historical win. For a face that looks like mine to be in the White House.”
Republican Perspectives
Republican voters in Nevada cite the state of the economy as their primary concern. Maria Rubi, a small business owner, expressed her preference for Trump:
“Things were supposed to be good under Biden, but no. Everything is always going up.”
Sam Brown, the GOP nominee for Senate, argued that the Biden-for-Harris swap makes no difference in his race:
“It doesn’t matter who the Democrats put at the top of the ticket — their radical, destructive policies put them completely out of touch with Nevadans.”
The Role of the Culinary Union
Nevada’s Culinary Union, with its 60,000 members, is a political powerhouse. The union plans to harness the new energy behind Harris to draw nonpartisan voters to the polls.
Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer, stressed the importance of a strong economic message:
“She has got to stay very tough on this economic message that she is going to be the ‘Housing President.’”
Key Issues for Young and Latino Voters
Housing is a critical issue for many young and Latino voters in Nevada. Cosgrove noted:
“They need to come in with something concrete.”
Most polls show that Latino voters, who make up 20% of Nevada’s electorate, are still making up their minds. Harris’s campaign needs to present clear solutions to the housing crisis and other economic challenges.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris has energized Democratic voters in Nevada, but the state remains a battleground. With a focus on key issues like the economy and housing, Harris’s campaign aims to convert enthusiasm into votes and secure Nevada in the 2024 presidential race.
Photo credit: The Washington Post
