DUNWOODY, Ga. – A segment of voters remains undecided as the presidential election approaches, particularly in key battleground states like Georgia. Cameron Lewellen, a father of three, finds himself among this group.
Having voted for Joe Biden in 2020 after supporting Donald Trump in 2016, Lewellen split his votes in the last election between a Republican gubernatorial candidate and a Democratic Senate candidate. With early voting for the 2024 election imminent, he feels uncertain about his choices.
“This is tough,” Lewellen admits.
Suburban voters like him have significantly influenced recent elections in Georgia as independents and disenchanted Republicans have distanced themselves from the GOP during Trump’s presidency. The suburbs around metropolitan Atlanta continue to grow increasingly diverse.
Following Biden’s narrow victory in Georgia by around 12,000 votes in 2020, voters returned Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock to Congress while reelecting Republican Governor Brian Kemp in 2022.
On the evening of the recent debate, Lewellen tuned in to help finalize his decision for the upcoming election. Settling into a comfortable couch with pizza, he took notes on a piece of paper, listing the candidates’ names and dividing the page to evaluate both sides.
Lewellen expressed growing disillusionment with Trump as his presidency became more turbulent, especially after the events of January 6, 2021. He feels he has a clear understanding of Trump but finds Vice President Kamala Harris to be a more complex figure, mentioning serious reservations about her candidacy.
“She didn’t earn my vote,” he said. “She was essentially anointed because she is the vice president.”
Though feeling Harris started the debate slowly, especially when she hesitated to answer if Americans were better off financially four years ago, Lewellen appreciated her plans for expediting home construction and providing tax benefits for small business startups. He felt dismayed that Trump offered no remorse for his actions related to January 6.
“It makes me angry because I think that’s unacceptable,” he stated. “Take responsibility.”
Lewellen also felt discomfort when Trump made remarks regarding Harris’s race and identity. “It’s offensive to many of us,” he said, reflecting on his own experiences as an African American.
His decision on whom to vote for has become clearer after the debate. Although he initially leaned towards Trump, he now feels more inclined to support Harris. However, he remains concerned about the economy, markets, and rising interest rates, having been job hunting for months in healthcare and technology.
“If the economy takes a downturn in October, I will reassess my vote,” he stated. “I want a president who supports small businesses as that’s important for my family’s future.”
Lewellen expressed frustration over being questioned about his indecision, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly understanding issues and candidate policies. He recognizes both candidates have strengths and weaknesses.
Reflecting on his daily life, Lewellen noted, “I think about my kids and our meals, soccer games, and baseball.” Yet, considering the debate and various pressing issues, he admitted, “I guess it does weigh on me.”