DUNWOODY, Ga. – A pivotal group of voters remains uncertain ahead of the upcoming presidential election, particularly in the competitive state of Georgia. Among them is Cameron Lewellen, a father of three, who is grappling with his choice as early voting approaches.
In the 2020 election, Lewellen opted for Joe Biden, after voting for Donald Trump four years earlier. Recently, he split his vote between the Republican gubernatorial candidate and the Democrat running for U.S. Senate. As early voting in 2024 nears, he finds himself conflicted.
“This is tough,” he admits.
Voters like Lewellen have significantly influenced recent elections in Georgia, as many independents and dissatisfied Republicans moved away from their party during the Trump administration. The suburbs of Metro Atlanta are growing rapidly and becoming increasingly diverse.
After a narrow victory for Biden in Georgia, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock was re-elected in 2022, alongside Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s successful campaign.
On Tuesday night, Lewellen watched the presidential debate, hoping to gain clarity for his decision. Sitting comfortably on his couch with pizza, he prepared to take notes by marking his observations on a piece of paper.
Reflecting on Trump, Lewellen expressed disappointment at the chaos of his presidency, especially following the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. While he believes he understands Trump’s approach, he views Vice President Kamala Harris as a more ambiguous candidate with concerns about her readiness.
“She didn’t earn my vote,” Lewellen stated. “She just was basically anointed because she was the vice president.”
Despite feeling initially hesitant about Harris during the debate, he found some of her proposals encouraging, such as her plans for expanding housing and supporting small businesses. However, he was unsettled by Trump’s failure to express remorse over his actions on January 6.
“As I think about it, it makes me angry because I think that’s unacceptable,” he said. “Take responsibility.”
Additionally, Lewellen criticized Trump’s comments regarding Harris’ race, saying, “It’s offensive to a lot of us.” As an African American, he shared his experiences of being judged based on his speech and demeanor.
A Decision Emerging
While Lewellen initially leaned towards Trump, he now finds himself considering Harris more seriously. However, economic concerns loom large as he has been seeking employment in healthcare and technology, faced with a slowing hiring pace. He expressed that any downturn in the market before the election could force him to rethink his decision.
“I want a president that’s going to be really favorable to small business because that’s how I could ultimately leave a legacy for my family. But if there’s a significant market drop, I don’t think Harris can mitigate that,” he stated.
Lewellen emphasizes the importance of studying candidates’ policies thoroughly and feels frustration when questioned about his indecision. He regards both candidates as having distinct upsides and drawbacks.
Initially, he thought the decision wasn’t weighing heavily on him, focusing more on his daily responsibilities as a parent. Yet, as he reflects on broader issues, including international conflicts, abortion, economic affordability, and democracy, he realizes it is a significant concern.
“I guess it does weigh on me,” he concluded.
