Alright, it's time for me to be "that guy" again. Unlike 44 and 45, where all 18 contestants came across more or less as Democrats, I think there are probably at least a couple of Republicans on this season. These are based entirely on vibes - I haven't done any real research on this, and at least 5 of them wouldn't surprise me at all if I got the party wrong.
In order from right to left:- Hunter - I'm the last person who would make the knee-jerk "white man from Mississippi = Republican" judgment, but he's also a graduate of and a teacher a conservative religious private school.
- Maria - This could go either way, but an Arab Christian (or is she Muslim? I don't know so?) from Texas and the strong "family focus" gives me Republican vibes.
- Kenzie - This is the toughest call on the cast, but I went with the demographics of working class white Southerner. I wouldn't be shocked with anything from dark blue to dark red.
- Randen - Who?
- Jelinsky - No real indication either way, so I'm just going by age and location.
- Liz - Another one that could go either way. The way she switched to a "black accent" when speaking to the black contestants was just very strange, but she still comes across as more of a Democrat. Also apparently not a millionaire at all - that was just something she made up to lower her threat level
. - Q - Playing the percentages with demographics here, but he definitely seems like someone who could fit the "black Republican" mold - brash, confident, successful businessman.
- Ben - Trump doesn't rock.
- Tim - Basically just going with demographics here.
- Bhanu - I guess I'm not 100% certain with him being an immigrant from India, but he just doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would like Trump.
- Jem, Moriah, and Tiffany - They all just come across that way.
- Tevin - Gay black Gen-Z.
- Charlie - Northeastern Gen Z lawyer who seemed to have some guilt about his white/male privilege and wealthy upbringing.
- Jess - I could be wrong, but I thought I remembered seeing this on a Reddit thread.
- Soda - There's just nothing about her that makes me think Republican.
- Venus - She's from Canada, but definitely seems like the type who would be outspokenly anti-Trump. She spent part of her interview with RHAP supporting feminist protests in Iran.
Overall I think the "New Era" skews around 90-10 Democratic or more. Part of this is a natural side effect of the diversity mandate, but I don't think recent seasons of Big Brother or The Amazing Race are as skewed.
The only one I'll disagree with is Kenzie. Kind of just based on her tattoos and personality she comes across a bit as more likely to be left-leaning. Maybe it's just because she reminds me of my sister.
Also Bhanu is gay, I think. Definitely puts him more likely in the left-leaning category.
And Liz really made up the millionaire thing to be a smokescreen? Somehow she is even more deluded than she came across. I hate her so much, but love her as an entertaining character. I hope to see her back.
