Waning Support and Funding
Recent polls have shown Trump with an early advantage in the Peach State, strengthened by Biden’s lackluster support from Black voters. Growing concerns among Democrat activists over funding and enthusiasm have emboldened Republicans hoping to reverse the state’s battleground status.
Organizers Worried
Democrat grassroots organizers in Georgia, who played a crucial role in Biden’s victory in 2020, as well as in electing Democrat Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, are beginning to grow concerned. They have noticed less money flowing in from national liberal groups and increased apathy among voters in key constituencies. Cost-cutting and delayed voter initiatives have privately stoked fears among some organizers about their ability to replicate their past successes.
Georgia Not Seen as a Priority
According to one activist, Georgia is not being treated as a “first-tier” state by Democrats. There are indications that the state is not receiving top-level prioritization. This has raised concerns among organizers about the level of attention and resources Georgia will receive.
Challenging Poll Numbers
Poll numbers released in early November by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution showed Biden narrowly trailing Trump, with only 78% of Black voters expressing support for the president. This was down from the 88% support Biden received in 2020. A subsequent poll released the same week showed Biden trailing Trump by a wider margin. These numbers have raised doubts about Biden’s standing in the state.
Georgia Democrats Remain Optimistic
Despite the early signs favoring Trump, some argue that Georgia is still in play for Democrats. The state’s competitiveness and the progress Democrats have made over the past few election cycles cannot be overlooked. With two Democratic senators in the state and a strong path to victory, Georgia Democrats remain optimistic about their chances.
Challenges for Republicans
The ability of Georgia Democrats and the president’s campaign to mobilize and win support in the state poses a challenge for Republicans. Swing voters in suburban areas, who play a crucial role in elections, may be hesitant to embrace Trump. The state’s sitting governor expressing reservations about the former president further complicates Republicans’ efforts. Additionally, the Republican party’s agenda and the radical stance of some 2024 candidates may not resonate with certain voters.
Biden’s Impact
Others argue that Biden being at the top of the 2024 Democrat ticket will continue to drive sentiment among Georgians. They believe that voters in the state want an end to the ongoing crises emerging from Washington and seek relief from high prices, reckless spending, and partisan divisions.
Loeffler’s Perspective
Former Republican Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler believes that the “political prosecution” of Trump and Democrats’ refusal to prosecute actual criminals have contributed to Republicans’ advantage in the state. Loeffler’s organization, Greater Georgia, aims to register conservative voters, engage a diverse slate of voters, and strengthen the ground game infrastructure. She emphasizes the hardships faced by hardworking Georgians due to the Biden administration’s policies and argues that the country is on the wrong track.
Overall, the battle for Georgia’s political landscape is heating up, with Democrats concerned about Trump’s early advantage and Republicans hoping to capitalize on their momentum. The state remains a key battleground in the upcoming elections, and both parties are gearing up for a fierce competition.