Red, Blue, or Neither? The Changing Color of Florida Politics
For decades, Florida leaned Democratic, often called a blue state. Over time, it turned into a competitive swing state. Today, more than 40 percent of its voters are registered Republicans. Still, analysts caution that Florida may not be as deeply red as it appears.
The Evolution of Party Politics
The United States’ two-party system became firmly established between 1824 and 1840. Democrats and Republicans dominate, though other groups—Independents, Libertarians, and non-affiliated voters—also participate. According to the Pew Research Center, over the past half-century, no third-party candidate has won a state in a presidential election. In Florida, the last such victory occurred in 1848, when Zachary Taylor of the Whig Party became president.
Florida’s Political Shifts
For many years, the Sunshine State maintained a Democratic majority. However, shifts in local elections and changing voter registration patterns have redrawn the landscape. From 1972 to 2020, Democrats held more registered voters. In 2021, Republicans overtook them and have steadily widened their lead since. Despite this, recent local elections show that Democrats have regained ground in several areas, hinting at the state’s lingering political diversity.
Voices of Change
“I haven't changed that much, but I feel like the party has,” said Teri H., who grew up Republican. “And, you know, the party kind of abandoned me.”
Teri requested not to disclose his full name due to concerns about potential backlash at work. After serving in the military, he studied at the University of North Florida and later chaired its College Republicans chapter. His story reflects the complex identity shifts many Floridians experience within their political affiliations.
Author’s Summary
Florida’s political identity keeps evolving—once blue, now red, but still full of surprises that challenge simple definitions.