Dr. Theresa Wheeling, a former registered Republican, changed her party affiliation after the Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections previously guaranteed by Roe v. Wade. She is now voting for Vice President Kamala Harris and cannot vote for Donald Trump. White women, a significant voting bloc, have historically supported the GOP presidential ticket, but new polling shows they may be up for grabs in the 2024 election. A survey conducted by Galvanize Action in September shows Harris with a slight lead over Trump among white women. Although the group is not monolithic, the economy is a top issue for them, with many blaming the Biden-Harris administration for inflation. On the other hand, abortion rights may also sway white female voters, with nearly half saying they would only vote for a candidate who protects these rights.
Data from NBC News polling over the last three presidential cycles indicates a realignment among white women voters. While Republicans had an advantage in 2012, Democrats slowly gained ground, leading to a 6-point Democratic edge in 2024. This trend is more pronounced among younger white women, with those over 55 showing a toss-up between parties. Wheeling, who is now an independent voter, believes her vote choice may represent a permanent realignment in terms of party registration, but ultimately, her voting decisions are based on the individual, their character, and the issues at hand. Overall, the group of white female voters is becoming increasingly important in elections, with both Harris and Trump vying for their support.
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