A New York Times article published earlier this week shared that for the first time in the Trump era, approval ratings for his handling of the economy have tanked amongst white working class voters. His largest base (by numbers) of political support is shifting. This is a reminder that political identities are not set in stone– and an opportunity for us.
We have seen in midterm races across the country: white working class voters are not only defecting from Trump, they’re supporting bold, working class candidates who speak to their material needs.
We’ve got two more races this summer to make it a clean sweep for our endorsed candidates. Can you sign up for a phonebank in the weeks ahead to make sure white working class voters in Michigan and Minnesota reject racism and send the most progressive candidates to the general election in November?
We also know that being angry about your pocketbook doesn’t automatically produce anti-racism. It is crucial that we call out the racist divide-and-conquer dog whistles of the billionaire class as we speak to the material suffering of white voters.
While polling is shifting right now, it will not be permanent without long term political homes for white working class people.
SURJ is working on both fronts: moving white working class voters in critical elections alongside our partners, and bringing these same communities into coalitions fighting for change across the South.