U.S Election: Kamala Harris Gains Support As Construction Jobs Surge

The general election 2024 is now the talk of the town as election day has almost arrived. At this time, all the candidates are worried about their campaigns and trying every possible thing to get the maximum public support. However, the general elections never go smoothly as it keeps throwing something interesting from the ground. 

The construction industry, on the other hand, suddenly came into the limelight when Kamala Harris got public support. The recent data and news sources claim that the surge in construction employment was the main factor that boosted Kamala in this election. 

A surprising 80% of U.S. states recorded growth in construction employment between September 2023 and September 2024, according to data published by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). The Biden-Harris collaborative administration has majorly supported the policy to put more attention on the infrastructure. 

What does the data say?

A survey was taken by the AGC firm to get an idea of who the public supports after witnessing a significant surge in construction employment. 

Surprisingly, Texas led the way with a noteworthy 5.1% gain, adding 42,300 construction jobs, according to the data. Following suit, Florida and Ohio added 37,100 and 16,400 jobs, respectively, for gains of 5.9% and 6.9%. 

Whereas, with a 21.1% growth in construction jobs, or 3,700 new positions, Alaska saw the largest gain in construction employment. In sharp contrast, the construction industry in New York suffered a 1.8% decline, with 6,900 jobs lost.

How does a political scenario move economic issues?

Things are not as simple as it seems. The former president, Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have put forward economic policies which are now dominating the political landscape. 

The economy is a key subject for both candidates since it is at the front of voters’ minds due to persistent inflation and uncertain economic growth.

The current administration has been condemned by a Republican National Committee spokesperson, who said, “Thanks to Kamalanomics, housing is unaffordable in 99% of the country.”

 The Republican tactic of framing housing affordability as a central concern is emphasized by this language. Trump’s campaign pledges to lower federal regulations, secure borders, and slash prices are an attempt to win over supporters who are fed up with the state of the economy.

Is affordable housing really an issue?

Affordable housing has been a major campaign issue for both Trump and Harris. According to a recent Wall Street Journal/NORC survey, only 10% of Americans think that becoming a homeowner is possible, despite the fact that over 90% of them see it as vital or significant to their future. 

Voters are particularly concerned about the obvious gap between aspiration and reality. According to experts, solving the housing crisis entails resolving the labor deficit, which has been made worse by the construction industry’s ageing workforce. 

There is a request for measures that would facilitate immigration to fill these shortages, as immigrants hold about 25% of construction positions including the operators and heavy equipment suppliers. The unstable political and economic situation will directly impact the construction and equipment industry.

How will the employment in construction move ahead?

Well, the current political and economic situation is still uncertain and people are trying to get the closest predictions. 

The growing construction job numbers give the Biden-Harris administration some hope as the elections get nearby. It is still difficult to convert these employment increases into more general economic confidence. 

Though, recent research has shown that more than half of Americans think the economy is going in the wrong direction. However, things are still uncertain and being optimistic and hopeful could be the only way to make things better. 

Two Cents

As a result of the administration’s infrastructure measures, Kamala Harris is seeing an increase in her political status as construction employment increases. However, while they compete for voters’ support, both candidates must confront the persistent problems of labour shortages and housing affordability. Economic concerns will be a major obstacle on the path to the 2024 elections, and each candidate’s ability to overcome these obstacles will be a key factor in deciding their political success.