African American Statewide Candidates in the New South

This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in Southern politics in the early 21st century. The authors provide a better understanding for the complex political, economic, and social changes at work in the South today. Gone are the days of the 'Solid South.' In its place, is a region that is increasingly complex and presents both challenges and opportunities for black candidates. * Scott E. Buchanan, Georgia College *
Four of the foremost experts on race and politics in the South have collaborated to produce this timely and engaging examination of Black candidates for statewide office. From Stacey Abrams' inspiring near-victory in 218 to Raphael Warnock's path-breaking election in 221, the campaigns it covers are not only fascinating and important in their own right, but also portents of the future of Southern politics. Anyone interested in how race intersects with electoral politics, whether in the South or outside it, will benefit from this book. * Devin Caughey, Massachusetts Institute of Technology *
A must-read for anyone interested in black politics, southern politics, or electoral politics; in fact, anyone interested in American politics as a whole would learn a lot from this book. I am struck by the encyclopedic knowledge of the authors—they are able to paint a clear picture of campaigns, and bring extensive data to bear without requiring readers to be well-versed in statistical methods. The authors also use their immense talent to shed light on an understudied group in a region where many people are fighting to shed the reputation of being backwards and discriminatory. * Christopher J. Clark, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and author of Gaining Voice: The Causes and Consequences of Black Representation in the American States *
The prospect for Black electoral success in statewide elections is a reality along the South's I-95 corridor. This excellent, sophisticated analysis of electoral data and changing demographics demonstrates the path to Black success in an engaging and insightful fashion. It also portends the new reality of Southern politics, where Black candidates can thrive and succeed in some of the most divisive and charged politics in over a half-century. * Keith Ga@&ddie, University of Oklahoma, and coauthor of Democracy's Meaning: How the Public Understands Democracy and Why It Matters *
Black candidates have found new success in running for statewide office in the South, and this book offers explanation and analysis of these new electoral dynamics. It combines statistical analysis of elections with case studies of five prominent statewide campaigns in the South, such as Stacey Abrams's and Andrew Gillum's failed gubernatorial campaigns in 2018 and Raphael Warnock's successful Senate run in 2021. Highly recommended. * H. Williams, Western Connecticut State University *