Vice President Kamala Harris is experiencing a notable rise in backing from Black women voters, driven significantly by her initiatives addressing maternal mortality, reproductive rights, and gun safety. This growing enthusiasm could be pivotal for Democratic turnout in key battleground states during the upcoming elections.

Historically, Black women have served as a cornerstone of the Democratic voter base, playing a critical role in the victories of former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, as well as showing strong support for President Joe Biden in 2020. However, leading up to Biden’s withdrawal from the race, his appeal among this vital demographic had been waning, potentially threatening voter turnout in swing states.

Recent polling data reveals a resurgence in Black voter support for the Democratic ticket. In July, prior to Biden’s exit, 64% of Black voters were in favor of him, while Harris garnered the support of 77% of Black voters in August. This revitalized enthusiasm, particularly among Black women, suggests that their turnout could be crucial for Harris’s campaign.

“This is a renaissance,” stated Holli Holliday, a lawyer and president of Sisters Lead Sisters Vote, an organization dedicated to enhancing political leadership among Black women. “We’re partnering with a collective of Black women organizations to collaborate and collectively move like we never have before.”

Gun control issues are expected to resonate strongly in Georgia, where both Harris and the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, are actively courting Black voters. A recent shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia heightened concerns around gun violence, making Harris’s stance particularly relevant. In August, 82% of Black women expressed a favorable opinion of Harris, a significant increase from 67% in May.

Moreover, the motivation to vote among Black women has intensified, with nearly 70% indicating they are highly motivated to participate in the upcoming elections, up from 51% just a month earlier. Approximately 16 million Black women in the U.S. are eligible to vote, with 67% registered according to Higher Heights, a political action committee focused on mobilizing Black women.

While Trump has also aimed to attract Black women voters by highlighting his economic policies, only 8% believe the Republican Party effectively represents their interests, according to a KFF poll conducted earlier this year.

Harris’s commitment to addressing health issues vital to Black women is a significant factor in her rising popularity, noted Kimberly Peeler-Allen, co-founder of Higher Heights. In 2021, she advocated for a more robust government response to high maternal mortality rates, emphasizing the alarming statistics that show Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts.

“The vice president’s focus on Black maternal morbidity has gotten a lot of attention and gratitude,” Peeler-Allen said. “High-quality and affordable care, as well as the economy, are one of the top issues that drive Black women voters to get to the polls.”

As a senator, Harris co-sponsored legislation aimed at improving maternal health, particularly for Black women. The Biden administration has since sought to enhance maternal health initiatives in rural areas and improve bias training for healthcare providers, awarding over $103 million in grants in 2023 to expand access to maternal health services.

In addition to her maternal health initiatives, Harris has also advocated for extending postpartum care under Medicaid, resulting in significant policy shifts since she took office. Initially, only Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia offered a full year of postpartum Medicaid coverage, but this benefit has now been adopted by at least 46 states and Washington, D.C.

“I am so thrilled out of my mind. I didn’t think we’d get there that quick,” said Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., who has played a key role in legislative efforts to address maternal mortality, particularly among Black women.

Harris’s advocacy for gun safety reform further enhances her appeal to Black women voters. In a recent debate, she highlighted her personal experience as a gun owner while calling for bans on assault weapons and universal background checks, issues that resonate deeply in the wake of the recent Georgia shooting.

Polling indicates that 84% of Black women favor Harris over Trump on gun reform issues. Trump, in contrast, has advocated for gun rights, arguing he would protect access by appointing federal judges opposed to restrictions.

The enthusiasm among Black women voters is evident; a recent call organized by Win With Black Women attracted approximately 44,000 participants shortly after Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Kelly Dittmar, research director at Rutgers’ Center for American Women and Politics, remarked on the importance of this mobilization. “If Democrats selected someone with less enthusiastic backing, a lot of women who supported Biden may have stayed home,” she cautioned.

As the electoral landscape evolves, Harris’s focus on maternal health and related issues appears to be revitalizing support from a crucial voter demographic, potentially influencing the outcome in tightly contested states.