ATLANTA — Vice President Kamala Harris made another trip to metro Atlanta on Tuesday to address the crowd at Georgia State University as she campaigns for president. The visit once again puts Georgia voters in the spotlight.
“I’m excited; I love it, girl power," said Atlanta resident Jacqueline Carter.
She is among those who said the change at the top of the Democratic ticket has been rejuvenating, and she’s not alone.
"I'm excited for Kamala, excited to vote for her, excited to see who she picks for VP, and excited to see what she does. And, I think Atlanta will be a great city for her,” Greer Yarborough said, another metro Atlanta resident.
In recent months, Harris has made several stops in the state, with Tuesday's visit being her sixth one this year.
Trump’s campaign has also honed in on Georgia voters and representatives from the New Georgia Project said that’s partly due to the minority vote.
"We've seen in Georgia over the last few elections cycles that, the Black turnout has increased every election cycle since at least 2020, when of course when Georgia was one of the major states that determined the 2020 presidential election. So, the Black vote is critical," Elijah Grace with New Georgia Project said.
However, both Harris and Trump campaigns aren’t just focused on minorities, Grace said there is also big push to get young and first-time voters which his organization has been working hard to get registered. And, as efforts continue to sway voters some 11Alive spoke to said they have already decided.
“I’m a Trump supporter and regardless of what people think or feel about him personally I just think he was a much better president, I feel like the economy was better,” said resident Jed Leist.
But Marcus Horton is on the other side.
“I love Kamala. I have been following her for many, many, many years, and when you see her long resume and what she has done for the community, the evidence is there," he said.
Former Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler said Harris must focus on the issues Georgia voters care about if she expects to have success.
"When you think about what’s on the mind of Georgia voters, the number one issue is rampant inflation in this tough economy and as we talk to voters across the state that’s what we hear as well. So, she’s really going to have to pick it up and talk about her vision for the economy.
Loeffler said Republicans have already been able to appeal to voters as Trump with a new running mate, JD Vance, at his side. However, Democratic State Sen. Jason Estevez believes Harris has a fighting chance.
"There are also 24 offices, campaign offices open across the state," he said.
And with less than 100 days until the November election, Esteves said the increased attention from the former president and VP Harris shows how crucial every vote will be.
"I think says a lot about where we are as a state. It solidifies her campaign, but it also solidifies our status as a battleground state," he said.
“I’m hoping that folks who have not voted in the past will take this election very seriously and vote this year. Get out and vote, it’s super important,” said John Williams.
As Harris campaigns in Georgia on Tuesday, Trump will also visit metro Atlanta this week. The former president and his vice presidential running mate are hosting a rally in Atlanta on Saturday.