Are the demographics changing in Southeast Pennsylvania?
PoliticsPA looked at the latest voter registration data from the Department of State and based on the numbers alone, Republicans are making gains in the collar counties that have been a Democratic stronghold in recent years.
Since January, the GOP has gained nearly 28,000 new or changed registrations statewide to its ranks, while Democrats have picked up just shy of 3,800. The independent ranks have swelled by nearly four times that of Democrats at 13,600.
In rock solid Philadelphia County, Democrats have added 1,866 to its dominating total, while independents lead Republicans, 1,470 to 1,438.
On the other side of the Commonwealth, Allegheny County numbers strongly favor the GOP (1,740) and independents (945) over Democrats (460) in new/changed registrations.
In Southeast Pennsylvania, Republicans are making headway. Bucks County has seen 1,605 new GOP registrations, while Democrats have lost 123, while in Montgomery County, the numbers are similar with Republicans picking up 1,634 while Dems have lost 742. Delaware County mirrors the others with the GOP gaining 506 with Democrats losing 556.
The map below shows each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties with party registrations for both major parties as well as those not affiliated with any political party.
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6 Responses
Democrats should be concerned. Every Democratic candidate talks about protecting abortion-rights and democracy, while most Americans are more focused on stubborn inflation, stagnant wages and rising debt.
This happened in 2016 as well. The Republicans had major registration gains. It should be a warning sign. Maybe some of this in SE PA is due to voters wanting to vote against Trump in the primary, but not all. I would want to see the numbers of new registrant vs those who switched parties. If the GOP is leading among new registrants that should be troubling for Democrats. The easy registration being pushed by Dems actually helps Republicans because low information. disaffected voters now vote Republican, while in the past they were more likely to vote Dem.
This happens every Presidential year. There’s almost always gain for the party with the most competitive presidential primary. A lot of these are independents who switched to the GOP to vote in our closed primary. Even though Haley dropped out there is still interest. This will have virtually no impact for the general election.
The coloring on the graphic is deceptive. Chester County is SOLIDLY blue – or did you miss the results of the last TWO countywide elections? Where ALL the row offices are Blue?
This happens every Presidential year. There’s almost always gain for the party with the most competitive presidential primary. A lot of these are independents who switched to the GOP to vote in our closed primary. Even though Haley dropped out there is still interest. This will have virtually no impact for the general election.
Thanks for the context Michael!