What 10 Milwaukee voters think about the upcoming presidential election, who they're voting for and why

The Nov. 5 election is quickly approaching, as Wisconsin residents are regularly reminded via campaign text messages, nonstop commercials and more. Journal Sentinel reporters went out to speak with Milwaukee voters about what issues they're most passionate about and who they're casting their ballot for in November as part of a series featuring voter voices.

Other stories will feature voices from people living the Milwaukee suburbs, Brown County, rural parts of the state and young voters.

Here's what 10 Milwaukee voters had to say about the upcoming presidential election:

Deb Koester, 56

Who are you voting for? Kamala Harris

Koester said she sees Harris as "the best candidate" in the race and was "overjoyed" when the vice president launched her presidential bid in July.

In particular, Koester said she supports Harris' health care and economic policies, especially the Harris campaign's proposal to provide tax deductions for aspiring small-business owners.

"I like the small-business support, the new innovative thing she's doing there," Koester said. "I also like the fact that she's attempting to challenge the Roe v. Wade decision (that overturned the federal right to abortion)."

Anatoli Rasmussen, 20

Who are you voting for? Claudia De la Cruz

Rasmussen marched on the Democratic National Convention in August 2024 in opposition to the Democratic Party's military support of Israel.

Between classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Rasmussen has dedicated large portions of time to protesting and organizing in support of the pro-Palestinian movement. Like other organizers, Rasmussen is calling for a U.S. arms embargo with Israel and for the U.S. to end weapons shipments, in addition to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Rasmussen told the Journal Sentinel that there's an incredibly high bar that the Democratic Party would have to overcome to win over his vote in November.

Rasmussen plans to vote for Socialist Party candidate Claudia De la Cruz and her running mate, Karina Garcia.

Rahman Bey, 59

Who are you voting for? Kamala Harris

Bey, a lifelong Democrat, said he's been set on voting against Donald Trump throughout the election cycle.

"Everybody needs change. If (Harris) is going to take care of our country better than (Trump), that's fine," he said.

Bey added that the economy, particularly rising grocery store prices , has been a key concern for him as a voter. He said the amount he receives in government food assistance programs has done little to cover his grocery costs.

"Help poor folks out here. Help boost those food stamps for people like me on disability (benefits). I pay bills like everyone else," Bey said. "Nobody ever wants to be broke. I think Kamala Harris will take care of that."

Caitlin Chapin, 20

Who are you voting for? Kamala Harris

Chapin cited health care policy as the main reason she's voting for Harris. Along with the cost of health care, she said she's concerned about increased restrictions on abortion under a second Trump administration.

"A lot of cancer, a lot of reproductive health issues run in my family," Chapin said. "I have a lot of conflicting feelings on whether I want (children) or not, and I just want to make sure that, whatever I choose, the option is there, instead of having to fight for that right."

Sarah Reinhardt, 33

Who are you voting for? Kamala Harris

Reinhardt is voting for Harris because of women's rights and reproductive rights.

"Also, I'm just not a huge fan of Donald Trump," she said. "I can't stand behind him."

Reinhardt was hanging out with a friend, Elliot Tesmer, 34, who agreed with her and also said he's planning on voting for Harris.

Jimeca Hopkins, 44

Who are you voting for? Kamala Harris

Hopkins said she's voting for Harris because she fears Trump and believes he will lead the country down a path of violence.

"He's very aggressive. I think he's very intelligent. I think he's a very good businessman," she said. "I think he makes a lot of great points, but I believe he has an aggressive attitude that's not conducive to the well-being of our nation."

Hopkins said the current vice president's message appeals to her because of its focus on family, women's rights and helping the poor.

"I feel like she intends to keep us safe," Hopkins said, highlighting the importance of reproductive rights, especially for women who are victims of rape or incest.

Joseph Venable, 67

Who are you voting for? Donald Trump

Venable said he's voting for Donald Trump because he believes the former president "kept his word and did what he said he was going to do. Some things didn't get done, but he did at least try."