The Harris campaign is kicking off a tour aimed at small businesses in at least six battleground states as part of its strategy to engage Latino and Black voters. Unlike previous campaigns, Vice President Harris will not be personally attending these events; instead, her surrogates, comprising elected officials and community leaders, will represent her. This initiative, named “Small Business for Harris-Walz,” seeks to reconnect with vital voter demographics that greatly contributed to the Democratic victory in the 2020 elections but are now showing signs of support for Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Addressing Voter Concerns
Trump’s recent statements at rallies highlight his outreach to Black and Hispanic voters, which adds pressure on Harris’ campaign to reinforce its messaging in these communities. This small business tour is an effort to counteract the trend of shifting support toward Trump. Previously, President Biden employed a similar tactic when he was expected to be the Democratic nominee, emphasizing the progress made in Black-owned and Latino-owned businesses during his administration to regain voter trust and highlight economic achievements before the pandemic.
Policy Proposals and Outreach
Richard Garcia, director of small business engagement for the campaign, stated that Harris demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting small businesses, contrasting her approach with Trump’s self-serving policies. During the upcoming week, the campaign will reach out to small enterprises in states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania through various organizing events, volunteer trainings, and house gatherings. As part of her economic plan, Harris has proposed increasing tax deductions for startup expenses significantly, suggesting a $50,000 deduction compared to the current $5,000. She has also considered a capital gains tax rate of 28%, which is lower than Biden’s proposal, aiming to foster investment in small businesses and innovation across the nation.
