Red, blue, or neither? The changing color of Florida politics

Red, Blue, or Neither? The Changing Color of Florida Politics

Florida was a predominantly blue state for decades before shifting to a swing state. Today, more than 40 percent of the state identifies as red, but experts suggest it may not be as firmly Republican as it seems.

The Two-Party System and Third Parties

The United States' two-party system, dominated by Democrats and Republicans, became more established between 1824 and 1840. While other political groups like Independents and Libertarians exist, no third-party candidate has won a state in a presidential election for over 50 years, according to the Pew Research Center. In Florida, the last time a third-party candidate succeeded was in 1848, when Zachary Taylor of the Whig Party became president.

Florida's Political Landscape Over Time

For decades, Florida was dominated by Democrats, holding the majority of registered voters from 1972 to 2020.
In 2021, Republicans took the lead, steadily increasing their margin over Democrats since then.
Despite this, some recent local elections in Florida have flipped back to blue, indicating the state's political alignment is not fully solidified.

Personal Perspectives on Party Shifts

Teri H., who grew up Republican, feels the party has changed in ways that left him behind.

"I haven't changed that much, but I feel like the party has. And, you know, the party (kind of) abandoned me."

After serving in the military, Teri enrolled at the University of North Florida and became chair of its College Republicans. He requested that his last name not be used to avoid retaliation at his workplace.

Author's Summary

While Florida appears increasingly Republican, its political identity remains fluid, with local shifts and personal stories highlighting evolving party dynamics.

WLRN — 2025-11-07