(NewsNation) — Pennsylvania has gone blue in eight of the last 12 presidential elections.
Looking at the county-by-county results, most of that is concentrated around urban areas like Philadelphia, especially among Black voters, who have traditionally voted Democratic.
Recent figures, though, suggest that support could be slipping, especially among young Black men. Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, are hoping to capitalize on that.
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In south Philadelphia, Faheem Alexander has been trimming and shaving at his barbershop, Hands of Precision, for 24 years.
For him, it’s all about community.
“If you want me to vote for you, what are you really gonna do for myself, my family, my community?” Alexander asked.
These days, many members of the community are struggling.
“Inflation is killing everybody,” one barber, Sherman Harris, said. “Literally, this blade on my clipper has tripled in price.”
That economic pinch may be “shaving” support away from Democrats. State voter registration records show a decade ago, Democrats outnumbered Republicans in Pennsylvania by more than 1 million voters. That advantage has shrunk to 350,000.
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Community is a common theme showing up in polls across the country. Black voters say they’re tired of feeling taken for granted and want to see more investment to grow their communities.
Shamika Patterson, one Philadelphia resident, said she’d like to see Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris “more in the Black community and in the business community to see what’s really going on.”
“I think we need (Republican nominee) Donald Trump,” Philadelphia resident George Thomas said. “I think we need a hustler back in the White House.”
Reverend Todd Johnson gave the opening prayer at Trump’s Philadelphia rally in June. He hears similar frustrations from many in his congregation, many of whom attach Harris to the current administration.
“Their distaste for Biden would carry over for the distaste for Kamala,” Johnson said.
Added Johnson, members of his congregation are “lifelong Democrats.”
“They’re not in love with Trump, but they see Trump as a viable alternative to what they are experiencing with their pocketbook and their wallet,” Johnson said.
Experts say if Trump can turn out enough Black voters, it could help him sweep Pennsylvania. Both his and Harris’ campaigns are in assault mode, spending millions on TV ads and repeated visits to the area.
