—
Source: Fox News
Summary
Former Oklahoma state House Speaker T.W. Shannon, now a Republican lieutenant governor nominee, said the GOP can maintain momentum with Black voters after Trump won 16% of the Black vote in 2024, double his 2020 total. Shannon credited Trump’s policies and the Democratic Party’s leftward shift for the change. He criticized Democratic candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, saying their proposals are not well received in Black communities. A DNC spokesperson disputed this, saying Black voters will reject Trump’s agenda and support Democrats.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Shannon stands on a stage, speaking to a crowd.
He mentions Trump, then mentions Black voters, then mentions taxes.
The crowd nods, the camera lingers.
It feels like a routine, but with a new name each time.
Author: Evan Null
Black Voices for Trump and the 2026 Midterms
T.W. Shannon, a former Oklahoma state House Speaker, is part of a group called Black Voices for Trump. He believes the GOP can keep gaining support from Black voters, even though Trump is not on the ballot for the 2026 midterms. Shannon said the Republican Party has changed under Trump and that Black voters are now more interested in GOP policies. He also criticized Democrats for moving too far left and for supporting groups like the Democratic Socialists of America.
Trump’s 2024 Performance and the GOP Strategy
In the 2024 presidential election, Trump won 16% of the Black vote, which is nearly double the 8% he got in 2020. Shannon said this shows that the GOP is now more appealing to Black voters. He pointed to job creation and lower crime rates during Trump’s second term as reasons for this shift. Shannon also said that Democrats are now competing for Black votes, something that didn’t happen before.
Shannon’s Criticism of the Democratic Party
Shannon criticized Democratic candidates who are backed by or aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America. He said their policies, like raising taxes and disbanding the police, are not popular with Black voters. He argued that these ideas are not good for Black communities and that they are not well received. Shannon said that the GOP is now the party that is actually helping Black voters.
Democratic Response and Voter Mobilization
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) disagreed with Shannon’s assessment. A DNC spokesperson said that Black voters will reject Trump’s agenda and support Democrats instead. The spokesperson said the DNC is working to reach, register, and mobilize Black voters across the country. They also said that the Trump administration is attacking civil and voting rights, while the DNC is fighting to protect democracy.
Shannon’s Background and Political Future
T.W. Shannon is a native of Lawton, Oklahoma. He became the state’s youngest and first African American House speaker in 2013. He is also the first member of the Chickasaw Nation to hold that office. Shannon is seen as a strong candidate in Oklahoma, which is a solidly Republican state. He said that speaking at the GOP midterm convention gave him a chance to share his message on a national stage.
