Biden campaign focuses on reaching out to Black voters in Wisconsin amid concerns about turnout.

Excitement was in the air in Racine, Wisconsin, as Sheree Robinson, a Black mother of two and longtime resident, shared her experience of riding in President Joe Biden’s motorcade during his recent trip to the state. Robinson, who was able to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) thanks to education funding in Mr. Biden’s American Rescue Plan, expressed her admiration for the president’s genuine conversation and stated that he has her vote – and she will be encouraging others to support him as well.

Mr. Biden’s outreach and organizing efforts with Black communities have given him a head start over former President Donald Trump. The Biden campaign announced a $14 million ad buy targeting Black, Hispanic, and AAPI media, along with the establishment of 46 offices across the battleground state, with Milwaukee serving as the headquarters. With 39% of the city’s population being Black according to the U.S. Census, the significance of Black voters cannot be overstated in Mr. Biden’s journey to reelection.

Despite a slight decrease in enthusiasm among Black voters, Mr. Biden continues to garner strong support, with 87% of Black voters backing him based on a 2020 CBS News national exit poll. However, recent polls have shown a decline in the percentage of Black voters expressing absolute certainty to vote, indicating the importance of further engagement and outreach efforts to secure their support in the upcoming election.

The battleground state of Wisconsin remains a close contest, with a CBS News poll showing equal support between Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden among likely voters. Concerns regarding turnout in Milwaukee, which saw a slight decrease from 2016 to 2020, highlight the need for increased mobilization efforts, particularly within Black communities.

During his visit to Racine County, where he announced a significant investment by Microsoft for a new data center, Mr. Biden engaged with Black Wisconsin voters and volunteers at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center. The event marked the beginning of a series of engagements planned for May, emphasizing the campaign’s focus on building a strong organizing presence among key constituencies crucial for electoral success.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Biden highlighted the loyalty of African-American voters and emphasized the essential role they play in elections, underscoring the significance of their support in determining the outcome of the upcoming election.

Individual stories shared during the event shed light on the personal stakes and concerns shaping voter decisions. Andrea Dyess, a cancer survivor, praised the Affordable Care Act and highlighted democracy as a central issue for her vote. Similarly, voter sentiment varied among attendees, with some expressing confidence in Mr. Biden’s ability to secure victory and others reflecting on potential challenges in the race.

While Mr. Biden’s campaign intensifies its outreach to Black voters, community members in Franklin Heights, northwest Milwaukee, voiced reservations and called for greater action on pressing issues such as the economy, education, and police reform. Members of the nonprofit organization “Black Leaders Organizing Communities” emphasized the need for tangible progress and engagement to motivate apathetic voters and underscore the value of their participation in the electoral process.

Despite some concerns and critiques of Mr. Biden’s performance on certain issues, including education and police reform, community members recognize the pivotal role of Black and Brown voters in shaping the outcome of the election. As the campaign progresses, efforts to address these concerns and engage with diverse communities will be crucial in securing widespread support and mobilizing voters for the upcoming election.