This is something I just created in order to analyze the historical general partisan leanings of each state. Essentially, I look at the following seven factors in order to determine each state's relative partisan bias:
1. Party of the last presidential candidate supported by the state
2. Party of the state's governor
3. Party of the state's senior senator
4. Party of the state's junior senator
5. Party of the majority of the state's US House delegation
6. Party of the majority of the state's upper legislative chamber
7. Party of the majority of the state's lower legislative chamber
In a few cases, it is impossible to determine some the above factors, such as when a state votes for a candidate who does not openly affiliate with either major party or when a state's House delegation or either legislative chamber is tied. Currently, this only applies to Alaska (Independent Governor) and Maine (tied US House delegation), as I consider the Nebraska legislature to be Republican and Bernie Sanders/Angus King to be Democratic.
Each of the seven factors count for one 'point'. The following is a map of each state's current SPEI, with shading determined as follows:
80% Blue - 7/7 Points Republican
60% Blue - 6/7 Points Republican
40% Blue - 5/7 Points Republican
30% Blue - 4/7 Points Republican
Gray - No Point Majority
30% Red - 4/7 Points Democratic
40% Red - 5/7 Points Democratic
60% Red - 6/7 Points Democratic
80% Red - 7/7 Points Democratic
SPEI After the 2016 Elections
SPEI Before the 2016 Elections
I plan on eventually making maps for earlier years. Thoughts? Thanks!
