Diverse Republican presidential primary field sees an opening in 2024 with voters of color

By STEVE PEOPLES and GARY FIELDS
Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — Race has become a central issue in the 2024 presidential contest as the GOP’s primary field features six candidates of color. That’s the GOP’s most racially diverse presidential class ever. Ex-Texas congressman Will Hurd joined the race Thursday. Hurd was the only Black Republican in the House of Representatives during his final two years in office. In most cases, the diverse Republican candidates downplay the significance of their racial heritage and oppose policies around policing, voting rights and education designed to combat structural racism. The GOP’s increasingly diverse leadership is backed by evolving politics on issues including immigration and suggests the party might have an opportunity to widen its appeal.