Massachusetts has been a reliable Democratic stronghold for presidential elections, with only President Reagan managing to win the state as a Republican since 1972. However, the state has some long-standing Republican strongholds, particularly in Hampden County, parts of Worcester County, and along the New Hampshire border.
Despite these pockets of red, Democrats have consistently held the state’s three largest cities – Boston, Springfield, and Worcester. Even in communities that are predominantly blue, there are significant Republican minorities, highlighting the diversity of political views within the state.
One town, Granville, has voted Republican in every election since 1972, while neighboring Tolland had a rare Republican-Democratic tie in 1996. Thirteen communities opted for Ross Perot in 1992 but did not stick with him in 1996.
The state’s election data, available online, offers a treasure trove of information for data nerds and political enthusiasts. The map showing voting patterns in the previous 14 elections demonstrates the complex political landscape of Massachusetts, with varying shades of red, purple, and blue.
While Massachusetts remains a solid Democratic state, the presence of Republican strongholds and diverse voting patterns in different municipalities challenges the narrative of a purely blue state. The state’s political landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the changing dynamics of elections over the years.
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Photo credit www.wbur.org
