Genesee County, Mich., home to Flint and the birthplace of General Motors, has been loyal to the Democratic Party for decades. But after years and years of challenges — the closure of auto plants, an exodus of residents, a water crisis — the liberal stronghold is becoming a bona fide battleground. And with about 400,000 residents, the county could help tip the presidential election in this critical swing state.
In and around Flint, voters from both parties described feeling let down by corporations, especially auto companies, and by their political leaders.
While many suburban areas of Genesee County are prosperous, and downtown Flint has seen rapid redevelopment, other blocks have more vacant lots than occupied houses. About 41 percent of Flint residents, and about 18 percent of people in the wider county, live below the federal poverty line, both well above the statewide rate of 14 percent.
Vice President Kamala Harris is having some success mobilizing parts of the old Democratic coalition, which includes the union workers and Black voters who have long helped power her party’s wins around Flint.
But interviews with more than 20 people across Genesee County also showed that voters still had doubts about Ms. Harris. Some felt their lives were better under former President Donald J. Trump.