Guide to The Fifty: Flyover States
Montana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Hawaii
Illinois: Urban v. Rural
Many of the shifts happening in Illinois are emblematic of political trends nationwide: Democrats continue to gain ground in the state’s cities and suburbs while Republicans continue to consolidate support in rural areas, especially counties that rely on resource extraction.
Missouri: Demographics
Missouri’s electorate is getting older and staying more heavily White than most other states in the US, making things difficult for Democrats among the state’s electorate.
Kansas: Republican tax policy
In 2012, Kansas Republicans passed the largest income tax cut in the state’s history in a play to spark economic growth. Instead, it led to a a massive budget shortfall and opened a rift between moderate and far-right Republicans within the state.
Nebraska: Splitting Electoral Votes
Joe Biden became the second Democratic presidential candidate in Nebraska history to split its electoral votes after winning the state’s 2nd congressional district.
Minnesota: A Progressive Proving Ground
A tense summer of racial unrest preceded the 2020 election with Minneapolis at the epicenter. Despite Donald Trump’s attempts to turn fear into support for a “law and order” candidate, suburban voters supported Democrats more forcefully when compared to 2016.
Montana: Urban Growth
Montana is one of the nation’s top 10 fastest growing states and many of its new residents are settling into the state’s “blue” urban areas rather than the more sparsely populated “red” counties.
Hawaii: Third Party Voters
The Aloha State saw record turnout in 2020
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