Question

Outline and describe how the two main political parties (Democrat and Republican) have fared over time in Nevada elections. What factors may be contributing to the re-emergence of the Republican Party since the mid-1980s?

Answer 1

Nevada has seen several different voting patterns and dominant parties in its history. After achieving statehood, the state voted predominantly Republican due to party support and the aftereffects of the Civil War. However, the Democrats began to emerge in the early twentieth century and dominated the state during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. It wasn't until the 1980s that Republicans resurfaced to create a relatively equal delegation. This was due to Reagan's favorable standing, an increase in Republican voter registration, and an increase in Nevada's upper class population. Nevada's representation remains considerably even between the parties, though the Democrats have prevailed in most recent elections.