Trump’s win stings for Black N.J. Democrats. The party has ignored us and paid a price, some say.

Donald Trump’s triumph over Kamala Harris in the presidential election has left many Black Democratic voters in New Jersey disheartened. While Harris secured New Jersey, her narrow win by only five percentage points—unexpectedly close—has prompted Black Democrats to question whether their party truly addresses their community’s needs or simply courts their votes during election time.

John Harmon, president of the New Jersey African American Chamber of Commerce, urged Black voters not to lose hope. “Don’t lose hope,” he said, while pointing out that the Democratic Party often takes the Black vote for granted. He also criticized Black elected officials for being more loyal to the party’s machinery than to their communities.

U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman echoed Harmon’s concerns, stating, “Yes, Trump gained a few thousand more votes, but Kamala Harris lost half a million [in New Jersey]. Why? Because Democrats have neglected the communities and people who are the backbone of our party,” she said while endorsing Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for governor.

Support Black Politics and subscribe to content

This is premium Content. Subscribe to read the entire News.

Subscribe Now

Login to purchase and access your purchased package

• Login