Guide to The Fifty: The West Coast
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and California
Washington: Moderates
Many of Washington state’s Democrats identify as moderates and the Republican party’s shift to the right has alienated many moderate voters in the state.
Oregon: Ideology over party
Liberals dominate in Oregon but have shown a historical willingness to vote for members of either party, as long as the candidate matches their ideological lean.
Idaho: The Greater Idaho Movement
There’s a small chance that Idaho could grow its borders: several counties in Oregon, Washington and California have considered seceding from their home states to form a “Greater Idaho” that gives rural voters more of a voice.
Nevada: Unions / Gun rights
Nevada’s pervasive gun culture makes the state somewhat difficult for Democrats but unions in Las Vegas helped Joe Biden overcome his opposition.
California: Hidden conservatism
Evidence is emerging that some of California’s urban areas have hit “peak blue” and are beginning to show small shifts toward supporting Republicans.
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