The author examines the usefulness of the deracialization concept as an analytical construct for explaining contemporary American urban politics. Deracialization is a useful concept for explaining recent black electoral victories because several African-American candidates have successfully employed this campaign strategy. As an electoral strategy, deracialization is especially useful to African-American candidates running in majority-white districts and jurisdictions. Deracialization as a campaign strategy does not automatically lead to deracialized governance. Black elected officials who conduct deracialized campaigns often pursue themes of racial justice in their governance.
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