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For decades, Mississippians have consistently voted for Republican candidates in presidential elections, molding itself into a red state. But as the 2024 election cycle heats up, some Mississippians wonder if there could be a shift.
With growing enthusiasm for Democratic vice president Kamala Harris and changing demographics in certain areas of the state, the idea of a blue wave seems less far-fetched to some.
Since 1980, Mississippi has consistently favored Republican candidates in presidential elections, with Ronald Reagan winning the state by beating previously elected Jimmy Carter. Nevertheless, some younger voters, particularly those on college campuses, are beginning to question whether this political trend will continue.
At the University of Southern Mississippi, students are discussing the potential influence of Kamala Harris.
“I’m a bit too shortsighted to tell what this might mean for Mississippi,” said USM student and Lucedale native Chance Davis. “Governor Tate Reeves is notorious for rejecting federal aid, and I expect it to stay the same. I don’t know how Republican states react to democratic wins and vice versa, especially with the Trump complex. I’ll need to do some research.”
As the first Black and South Asian vice president, Harris has been a key figure in mobilizing underrepresented voters. While Joe Biden’s candidacy in 2020 energized Black voters, Harris’ presence on the ticket has generated additional excitement, particularly among women of color and younger voters across the South.
Demographic shifts in Mississippi may also provide a path for Democrats. The state has one of the highest percentages of Black residents in the country, a population that historically leans Democratic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 38% of the state’s population is Black, compared to about 13% nationwide. If Democrats can turn out voters in majority-Black cities like Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Meridian, they could potentially narrow the gap.
But it’s not just Black voters who are becoming more politically engaged. Among white, suburban college students, there is growing a sense of political awareness. Shelby Clark, a junior at Southern Miss feels excited at the prospect of a female president but also voices concerns.
“Naturally, I’m excited at the prospect of our first female president, but I would not pick Kamala if there were other options,” Clark said. “The two candidates on the ballot this year make me feel as if this election is a lose-lose scenario. I will be doing my best to pick the lesser of two evils.”
However, political analysts at The Hill and The Economist strongly predict Mississippi will vote Republican in 2024. The state’s older, rural, and conservative voters continue to provide strong support for the GOP. According to polls from 2023, Donald Trump remains the favored candidate among Mississippi Republicans, with unwavering loyalty from his base. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm surrounding Harris has sparked a new dialogue about the possibilities in Mississippi politics.