DALLAS — Republican Prospects Among Black Voters in 2026

While former President Donald Trump won’t appear on the ballot for the 2026 midterm elections, T.W. Shannon, who once chaired Black Voices for Trump, believes that Republicans can keep the momentum they gained from Trump’s significant improvements in attracting Black voters during the 2024 presidential race.

Shannon, the former Speaker of the Oklahoma House and now the Republican lieutenant governor nominee in his state, suggests that the party’s policies, along with the Democratic Party’s shift to the left, could continue to benefit the GOP as they seek to engage Black voters.

In the 2024 election, Trump managed to capture 16% of the Black vote, according to a Fox News Voter Analysis—a figure that is nearly double what he achieved four years prior.

“It’s because Donald Trump has transformed the Republican Party back into the working party,” Shannon remarked during a Fox News Digital interview at the inaugural GOP midterm convention. He added that it’s noticeable that Democrats are now actively competing for Black votes, a stark change from the past when they seemingly took it for granted.

Shannon highlighted achievements like job creation and decreased crime rates during Trump’s second term, stating that these developments have positively impacted Black communities. He expressed concern over Democratic candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), criticizing their proposals, which he believes don’t resonate well with the Black community, such as increasing taxes or disbanding police forces.

Democrats, however, contest Shannon’s views. A spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) stated that Black Americans are likely to reject Trump’s agenda, which they see as favoring the wealthy and increasing costs. The spokesperson emphasized the DNC’s efforts to reach and mobilize Black voters, asserting that they aim to protect civil and voting rights amid attacks from the Trump administration.

Shannon, who made history as Oklahoma’s first African American House speaker, is expected to win in the Republican stronghold of Oklahoma in November. Speaking at the convention was a valuable opportunity for him, as he wanted to showcase both Oklahoma and America. “Any time I get a chance to tell the story about how great Oklahoma is and how great America is, I won’t miss a chance to do it,” he explained.