The Daniels Election in New Haven and the Failure of the Deracialization Hypothesis

Some observers claim that recent victories by African-American candidates result from deracialized strategies based upon centrist appeals to white voters. Some critics accept this analysis but argue that these politicians inevitably abandon the interests of the black community. The authors reject these contentions and use the example of John Daniels' 1989 mayoral victory in New Haven, Connecticut, to show that black candidates can use their race and progressive positions to appeal to both whites and blacks. Furthermore, despite severe fiscal constraints, Daniels' governing coalition has worked to reform the police department and improve human services.