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Republicans Boost Black Turnout by 160,000 in 2026

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Republicans increased Black voter turnout in Southern states during the 2026 midterms.
Black voters cast 160,000 more ballots than at the same point in 2022.
TargetSmart adviser Tom Bonier says younger Black voters mainly drove the surge.
Early voting in Shelby County, Tennessee rose eight points after the district split.
Black voters comprised 30 percent of South Carolina’s Senate vote, tightening the Graham-Andrews race after Louisiana v. Callais redistricting.

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Republicans increased Black voter turnout in Southern states during the 2026 midterms.
Black voters cast 160,000 more ballots than at the same point in 2022.
TargetSmart adviser Tom Bonier says younger Black voters mainly drove the surge.
Early voting in Shelby County, Tennessee rose eight points after the district split.
Black voters comprised 30 percent of South Carolina’s Senate vote, tightening the Graham-Andrews race after Louisiana v. Callais redistricting.