Why are California and New York always democratic?
California and New York have been interpreted as the most typical Democratic states in the United States. The explanation for this is the deep-rooted nature of their voting patterns for Democratic candidates that has resulted over historical, demographic, and socio-economic influences shaping up these political climates. Beneath this love-hate relationship are the stories of how each of these states has developed politically, the rise in the population and characteristics of cities within these states, and the cultural mix that characterizes them.
Historical Context
California and New York have been through dramatic changes in their political histories. As recently as a generation ago, both were understood to be battleground states, in which both parties were equally influential. Today both remain Democratic states, having become overwhelmingly so since the demographic shift of the 1990s, in which an influx of immigrants combined with growing urban populations. Conversely, New York has been similar: formerly an electoral bellwether, it has been safely Democratic since the late 1980s. In state races in recent electoral cycles, the Democratic candidate won over 60 percent of the vote, which was a clear party identification by voters.
Demographic Landscape
One argument for why the Democratic Party has been so prevalent in these states is due to their demographics. California and New York are melting pots of cultures, ethnicities, and lifestyles. Diversity of this kind tends to foster liberal attitudes that are in complete harmony with the Democratic way of thinking. Some examples of a trend of this nature may be found in the urban centers of a city like New York City, specifically in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Education levels and exposure to different cultures are factors that tend to shift views to the left. The same is the case of cities in California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, whose residents are particularly sympathetic to progressive policies.
Youth voters also tend to be more Democratic than their elderly counterparts in these two states. The further that millennials and Gen Z advance into politics, the more they tend to support the Democratic Party and its agenda on social justice, climate change, and equality.
Urban vs. Rural Divide
The urban-rural divide is also a key determinant of electoral outcomes in California and New York. Typically, urban areas are more liberal due to the concentration of many diverse populations facing complex social issues that require intervention by the government. Rural areas tend to tip for the Republicans and usually are more individualistic and less interventionist by the government.
For instance, in New York State, New York City is more blue than red, but some upstate areas can be pretty red. However, the sheer population density of the urban areas gives Democrats a big electoral edge. The same thing is true in California: while California's Central Valley may have conservative pockets, the overwhelming population in places like Los Angeles means that Democratic candidates will dominate in statewide elections.
Political Infrastructure
The infrastructure that has been supporting Democratic campaigns in these states has also significantly changed. Organizations, like the Democracy Alliance, have spent millions of dollars on grassroots efforts to get voters active in what are traditionally blue areas[1]. These have proved to be very important in establishing a strong political infrastructure that will not crumble under the first blow from Republican candidates. Voter outreach programs with targeted focus had registered thousands of new voters and directly engaged communities.
And this strategy focus on grassroots organization stands in stark contrast to other strategies that tend to forget these deep blue states because they are deemed not competitive enough. This has enabled the consolidation of significant offices and legislative bodies under control of the Democrats.
Cultural Factors
Yet, again, cultural attitudes also influence political loyalties. Progressive values reflect and favor the sensibilities of voters in California and New York because of their emphasis on inclusivity and social justice. Climate change issues are particularly salient to the states because both have very ambitious environmental policies put into place reflecting priorities of its constituents.
Additionally, the California entertainment industry has, on average, pegged itself with liberal causes and leveraged the media outlets that touch millions of Americans and broadcast it across the nation. Queens borough in New York City is a great example of cultural diversity that translates to diverse perspectives challenging traditional norms while promoting liberal thinking.
Conclusion
The strong Democratic leanings of California and New York are attributed to the complex interplay of historical evolution, demographic diversity, urbanization effects, strategic political infrastructure development, and cultural attitudes. These states are unlikely to stop being decisive players in national electoral outcomes as they continue to evolve politically and socially.
Communities like Queens or the Sparkly Maid NYC business targeted to a broader range of communities indicate the ways in which local circumstances reflect national patterns within these bellwether states. Community engagement will mean that California and New York will be the heartland of progressive politics for generations to come.
