What state is the anti-Virginia?

[THG]

I’ve been pondering about this in more ways than one- and those three states are the perfect contenders for the moniker of the “Anti-Virginia” state.

Electorally, I may have to go with Iowa, as unlike Florida and Ohio, Iowa was generally a pretty blue state for most of it’s history (I believe Bush in 2004 was the only Republican from 1988 to 2016 to win it, and that too only by a point), but it is now a safe red state.

In terms of character however, it’s certainly Florida. If states had personalities Florida would almost certainly be the anti-Virginia.

[‎]

West Virginia

[texas_progressive]

West Virginia

So true. Even the historical, non-political aspects make this true.

[texas_progressive]

The Western Appalachian counties of Virginia wanting to secede to join WV. (I know it is not a state, but still).

[Del Tachi]

West Virginia

[seeking mystical annihilation]

Iowa was generally a pretty blue state for most of it’s history

Clearly you've never looked at an electoral map from before the 80s.

[For Trump, everything. For immigrants, the law]

West Virginia’s shifted much more, but in terms of it switching parties after decades and not going back, it’s the best example. Iowa and Ohio were swing states before turning Republican.

[Non Swing Voter]

I’ve been pondering about this in more ways than one- and those three states are the perfect contenders for the moniker of the “Anti-Virginia” state.

Electorally, I may have to go with Iowa, as unlike Florida and Ohio, Iowa was generally a pretty blue state for most of it’s history (I believe Bush in 2004 was the only Republican from 1988 to 2016 to win it, and that too only by a point), but it is now a safe red state.

In terms of character however, it’s certainly Florida. If states had personalities Florida would almost certainly be the anti-Virginia.

This is certainly true and I take it as a badge of honor that we are the polar opposite of Florida.

[THG]

I’ve been pondering about this in more ways than one- and those three states are the perfect contenders for the moniker of the “Anti-Virginia” state.

Electorally, I may have to go with Iowa, as unlike Florida and Ohio, Iowa was generally a pretty blue state for most of it’s history (I believe Bush in 2004 was the only Republican from 1988 to 2016 to win it, and that too only by a point), but it is now a safe red state.

In terms of character however, it’s certainly Florida. If states had personalities Florida would almost certainly be the anti-Virginia.

This is certainly true and I take it as a badge of honor that we are the polar opposite of Florida.

I would much rather live in Florida than Virginia, and I was born in the commonwealth.

I’ve got nothing against Virginia but the character of that state, specifically NOVA, is akin to sitting in a strict English teacher’s class. It is very orderly, organized, and technically sound, but dull as a doorknob and not someplace that seems fun in any capacity.

Florida on the other hand.....

[インターネット掲示板ユーザー Punxsutawney Phil]

West Virginia

[OSR stands with Israel]

West Virginia

Yup, WV and VA with the exception of the FDR and W presidencies have pretty much been polar opposites.

Until 1932 WV was a solidly Republican state while VA was a solidly Democratic one

From 1952-1996 WV was a solidly Democratic state while VA was a solidly a Republican one

Since 2008 WV has been once again a Solidly Republican state while VA has become a Democratic State once again.

1936-1948, and 2000-2004 were the exceptions to this rule but even then they were clearly trending in opposite directions

[Joe McCarthy Was Right]

Well, not Florida. Since 1880, it has voted for the same party as Virginia in 32 out of 36 elections (almost 90% accuracy). That's impressive. Only since 2016 has it diverged from Virginia.

I would say West Virginia is closest to voting opposite of Virginia.

[Cyrusman]

Well, not Florida. Since 1880, it has voted for the same party as Virginia in 32 out of 36 elections (almost 90% accuracy). That's impressive. Only since 2016 has it diverged from Virginia.

I would say West Virginia is closest to voting opposite of Virginia.

Interesting, but that number will decrease dramatically over the next few decades and Virginia continues to be a solid democrat state and Florida as a strong lean Republican state.

[TodayJunior]

Perhaps Missouri, as far as recent trend lines go. Not a perfect comparison though. Former swing state now completely unwinnable for the other side. 

[CentristRepublican]

West Virginia’s shifted much more, but in terms of it switching parties after decades and not going back, it’s the best example. Iowa and Ohio were swing states before turning Republican.

To be fair, I'd say IA was tilt blue from 1984 to 2012, at least compared to the national environment. In that time frame it voted red just twice, in 1984 (Reagan won in a landslide and IA trended leftward that year, with multiple counties flipping blue) and 2004 (very, very narrowly). On the other hand, VA wasn't just tilt red, it was a pretty Republican state (it rejected Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, which is saying a lot for a southern state).