West Virginia is often seen as a solidly red state, consistently voting for Republican candidates in presidential elections. But when was the last time the state turned blue? According to WOWK 13 News, the state last voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 1996, when Bill Clinton won re-election.
Since then, West Virginia has become increasingly red, with Republican candidates winning by large margins in subsequent elections. In 2020, for example, Donald Trump won the state by nearly 40 points. This shift towards the Republican party can be attributed to a number of factors, including the decline of the coal industry, which traditionally supported Democratic candidates, and the state’s rural, conservative population.
Despite this trend, there are still pockets of Democratic support in West Virginia. The state has a Democratic senator, Joe Manchin, who is known for his willingness to work across party lines. Additionally, some counties in the state have remained more competitive, with recent elections showing closer margins between the two parties.
As the 2022 midterms approach, it will be interesting to see if West Virginia will continue its streak of supporting Republicans or if there will be a return to Democratic support. With issues like the economy, healthcare, and infrastructure on the minds of voters, both parties will be vying for attention in the state.
In conclusion, while West Virginia has not voted blue in a presidential election for over two decades, there are still signs of Democratic support in the state. As political dynamics continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how the state will lean in future elections.
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