Increasing Polarization: Conservatives and Democrats Flock to Ideologically Aligned States

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When Tim Kohl and his wife Jennifer relocated to a suburb of Boise last year, they felt a newfound sense of freedom. Unlike their previous residence outside Los Angeles, they now felt comfortable expressing their political leanings. Tim, a retired Los Angeles police officer, proudly displayed a U.S. flag and a Thin Blue Line banner representing law enforcement outside their house.

Jennifer admitted they had been hesitant to display these symbols in their previous neighborhood, but the positive response from their new neighbors reassured them. Their experience mirrored that of Leah Dean, who had felt afraid to fly an abortion rights banner outside her Texas home. However, upon moving to Denver with her partner, they proudly displayed their LGBTQ+ pride flag and an “Abortion access is a community responsibility” banner, finding a community where they could be themselves.

The United States is witnessing a rapid and alarming trend of political segregation, contributing to the most significant divide between states in modern history. With one party in control of almost every legislature, and many states having supermajorities that can override vetoes, the polarization has led to the adoption of diametrically opposed laws on contentious issues. For example, Idaho recently made abortion illegal once a heartbeat can be detected, while Colorado prohibits any restrictions on abortion. Idaho also passed a law preventing minors from accessing gender-affirming care, whereas Colorado allows out-of-state youths to access such procedures.

The concept of federalism, which allows states to chart their own course within constitutional boundaries, has long been fundamental to the U.S. system. However, some now question whether this system exacerbates the growing divisions among Americans. Former Republican Colorado state lawmaker Rob Witwer wonders if federalism serves as an accelerant for those who seek to re-segregate, particularly in a time of intense political polarization.

Colorado and Idaho represent two extremes of this state-level political homogenization. Both states have experienced significant population growth due to an influx of like-minded residents, but politically, they have diverged significantly. Colorado has shifted to the left as affluent, college-educated individuals moved from the coasts, while Idaho has become an even more conservative haven, attracting those fleeing blue states.

The phenomenon of political homogeneity within states is not solely attributable to transplants. The clustering of Americans in like-minded enclaves, referred to as “The Big Sort,” has multiple causes. While some of it can be attributed to people moving, other factors include political parties polarizing on issues that align with demographic lines, as well as voters adopting the partisanship of their neighbors.

Although political considerations typically do not drive Americans’ decisions to move, the lifestyle choices they make often place them in communities dominated by their preferred party. The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 may have amplified this trend, as remote work liberated many professionals and retirees from their ties to specific states. These mobile individuals, who are predominantly white-collar workers and retirees, tend to be the most politically engaged segments of the population.

This shifting landscape has given rise to businesses catering to conservatives leaving blue states and vice versa. For instance, Blue Line Moving targets families fleeing blue states for Florida, while a “rainbow underground railroad” helps LGBTQ+ families escape Texas’ increasing restrictions. The pandemic appears to have acted as a catalyst for these migrations.

The Kohls and the Friesen family are examples of individuals who chose new states based on their political leanings. The Kohls wanted to live in a red state, but Jennifer, a nurse with diverse beliefs, emphasizes that they are not blindly loyal to a party. Similarly, the Friesens moved to Boise, Idaho, attracted by the state’s politics and pandemic policies. However, they appreciate living in one of the more liberal areas of the state, avoiding the more politically charged regions.

Political homogeneity has become more pronounced in Idaho, according to surveys conducted by Boise State University. The percentage of newcomers who cited politics as a reason for moving to the state increased significantly in recent years. In Colorado, conversations about politics have become commonplace when buying a home, with prospective residents expressing their desire to escape their red states. Some individuals even choose specific neighborhoods within Colorado based on political preferences.

This growing political divide poses challenges for both parties, making it harder for minority parties to feel represented. While the system allows the majority to feel empowered locally, the minority party often feels marginalized. This polarization has left some individuals feeling disillusioned with their native states. The Kohls watched their native California deteriorate, witnessing issues like trash accumulation, homelessness, and a perceived prioritization of assistance for immigrants over citizens. These experiences led them to seek refuge in a conservative state like Idaho.

On the other hand, Leah Dean, now residing in Colorado, witnesses her adopted state becoming increasingly hardline, to her dismay. She reminisces about a time when Idaho was a more moderate state, highlighting that its recent shift to the right reflects a fear among certain groups that their “way of life” is under threat.

In Denver, some residents express the desire for Colorado to take a stronger stance on certain issues. Kathleen Rickerson, who moved to Colorado from Minnesota due to her frustrations with the blue state’s handling of the pandemic, wishes to see more decisive action. However, even in Colorado, progressive individuals voice their disappointment when their party fails to push through their preferred policies, such as an assault weapons ban.

The increasing polarization among states raises concerns about the efficacy of federalism in a politically divided society. While it allows states to align their policies with the preferences of their constituents, it can exacerbate divisions and hinder representation for minority parties. The current state of affairs prompts reflection on whether the federalist system can continue to serve as a unifying force in a country characterized by deep political polarization.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about polarization

More about polarization

• The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart (Book by Bill Bishop)
• The Impact of Political Polarization on State Policy Choices (Academic research article)
• Federalism and the Challenges of a Polarized Nation (Scholarly paper by Jennifer Nou)
• The Influence of Political Polarization on Residential Mobility (Academic research article)
• The Effects of Political Polarization on Representation and Policy-Making (Academic research article)