What Went Down During The May 17 Primary Elections

Hmm, I’m not sure I entirely buy into the thinking that Fetterman’s past will hurt him with Black voters? It certainly might not help, but since Black voters overall might have to choose between Fetterman and a Trumpian figure (like Oz or Barnette), he might still be able to prevail among Black voters this fall should he win tonight’s primary.

Well, Sarah, according to research from political scientists Bernard Fraga and Hunter Rendleman, Democrats have nominated 34 white people, 14 Black people, nine Hispanic people and one Asian American person so far. Republicans have nominated 55 white people, three Black people and five Hispanic people.

Dan brought up an interesting point earlier in the Democratic Senate primary about Fetterman and his ability to win over Black voters. Given Fetterman’s armed run-in with a Black jogger, it’s possible that Black voters are leery of his candidacy. This could be a major problem, too, for Fetterman in the general election, as turnout in what looks to be a Republican-leaning environment is going to be crucial for Democrats.

It’s early yet in the primary season, but let’s talk big picture about what we’ve seen regarding the two parties’ strategies around appealing to voters of color and/or fielding diverse candidates.

What do the two parties’ track records on tackling diverse fields look like so far?