Black Democratic operatives are expressing concerns over the Harris campaign's alleged avoidance of minority-owned political firms, despite its dependence on Black voter support.
The Harris campaign has come under fire from anonymous Black Democratic operatives and staffers for allegedly neglecting minority-owned political firms in its campaign spending. This issue has sparked frustration within the Black community, which has historically served as the base for Democratic candidates.
Harris Campaign Under Fire for Neglecting Minority-Owned Firms
According to a report by NOTUS, a product of the Allbritton Journalism Institute, the Harris campaign has been reluctant to increase spending on Black-owned firms, even as it seeks to reach minority voters. A source familiar with a call between the campaign and NAACP President Derrick Johnson revealed frustration over the campaign's spending track record.
"If Black voters are the base, it should be Black vendors telling the story," the source said. "We still didn’t really have any clear answers on anything."
Harris Campaign Under Fire for Neglecting Minority-Owned Firms
A Democratic consultant also expressed concern, stating, "It’s a little concerning to see that the spending is so [much] less, so far lower. I think it’s approximately one-fourth less than what it was at this point four years ago."
Despite record-level funding and the importance of reaching minority voters, the campaign has reportedly displayed ambivalence towards "Black spending."
Harris Campaign Under Fire for Neglecting Minority-Owned Firms
"It’s not just the media, it’s get-out-the-vote operations and grassroot operations. It’s 20 questions now when it comes to anything for Black spending," a Democratic operative said. "And what we’re talking about are a small fraction of what’s being spent for the general market. It’s getting pretty insulting."
Harris campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond acknowledged the issue, but attributed it to a broader problem within the Democratic Party.
Harris Campaign Under Fire for Neglecting Minority-Owned Firms
"Everybody who said it’s not about money, that’s a lie. It’s all about money," Richmond said. "They’re making noise because they want money and they want a contract, and that’s fair. It’s fine, and they should just say that."
Richmond emphasized the need to reach minority voters, but critics argue that the campaign's actions do not align with its rhetoric.
"I’ll answer it this way: I am trying to win a race, and I believe we have to touch voters. We have to touch Black voters and brown voters. We have to touch them with the people with the expertise to connect with them," Richmond said.
NOTUS reported that it remains unclear how aware Harris is of the frustration within the Black community, although she has allegedly raised the issue within her campaign and the Biden campaign. However, the issue does not appear to be a high priority.
Despite the concerns raised, Harris currently enjoys strong support among Black voters, leading former President Trump by over 60%. However, data from the Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion suggests that Trump's support among Black voters under 50 has increased, rising to 21% among Black men.
The Harris campaign has not yet responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment on this matter.
