Declining Support from White American Women Poses Challenge for Trump’s 2024 Election Campaign

Support among white American women for Republican Party is decreasing, which could impact Donald Trump’s chances in the upcoming presidential election. According to Newsweek, based on several public opinion polls.

“Republican support among white women is declining… this trend may affect former President Donald Trump’s chances of winning,” the publication reports.

Historically, white women in US have leaned toward voting for Republicans. For instance, in 2012, Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate led Democrat Barack Obama in this group by 9 percentage points. In both the 2016 and 2020 elections, Trump also led his opponents among white women by 6 and 7 points, respectively.

This year, however, Trump holds just a 1-point lead with white women voters. CNN political analyst Harry Enten calls it the lowest support level for a Republican candidate among this demographic in this century. Other polls show Trump’s lead among white women at 3–4%.

“Without strong support from white women, who make up 36% of voters, Trump may face difficulties,” writes Newsweek.

Enten suggests that this drop in support may be due to importance of abortion rights to white women. In swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, abortion remains a priority issue for women voters.

Vice President Kamala Harris has built much of her campaign around pledging to protect abortion rights. Especially as conservative states have restricted access.

However, Dr. Kathy Gaddini, a sociology lecturer at University College London, notes that older women without college degrees are more likely to support Trump, as they focus on issues like the economy and immigration. They believe Trump is better suited to address these concerns than Harris.

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Nearly two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade (1973), which allowed states to set their own abortion laws. As a result, several states have almost completely banned the procedure.

US presidential election is set for November 5. Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the Democratic Party, while former President Donald Trump will be the Republican candidate.