Kamala Harris’ small business pitch resonates in Georgia’s most diverse county
The Democratic nominee's path to victory could hinge on her ability to excite entrepreneurs in Gwinnett County, Georgia, an immigrant-rich slice of Atlanta.
ATLANTA — The election could be decided in Georgia’s fastest-growing and most ethnically diverse county.
In Gwinnett County, a part of metro Atlanta where 58% of voters backed Joe Biden in 2020 compared with the 40% who voted for Donald Trump, both parties are again locked in a race centered on the economy. Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic pitch has heavily emphasized small-business owners, and those in Gwinnett County — one of the “Decider” counties NBC News is tracking — acknowledge they could use more support.
So far, many like what Harris is offering, though some remain undecided just over a week before Election Day. Their choices could be pivotal with Georgia’s 16 electoral votes up for grabs, the two campaigns in a virtual dead heat in recent polling and important local issues also shaping the race.
Roberto Correa of Beto’s Tacos.Chris Knowle / Beto's TacosRoberto Correa, who owns Beto’s Tacos in Suwanee, said Harris’ proposal to allow up to $50,000 in tax deductions for startup expenses would “be great for a lot of people like me.”
Correa, who was born in Mexico, opened the first Beto’s in 2019 and expanded during the pandemic. He now operates four locations in the Atlanta area. Higher costs for produce like avocados have dented his margins, and sales are down about 20% this year, he said, which makes it harder to access credit.
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