Researchers have found that in New Hampshire, Democrats have defied national trends by performing well in both rural and urban areas. This contrasts with other parts of the country where Democrats typically fare better in urban areas. The analysis of preliminary results from the 2024 election showed that Democrats received nearly the same proportion of the vote in both rural and urban areas in New Hampshire, with margins of victory in rural areas contributing to their success.
The researchers noted that even though Democratic candidate Kamala Harris received fewer votes from rural voters compared to President Biden in 2020, she still maintained strong support in both urban and rural areas in New Hampshire. The state has three urban counties, which account for 62 percent of the presidential election voters, while the remaining 38 percent reside in rural counties.
The impact of President-elect Donald Trump was also evident in rural New Hampshire, with Republicans gaining ground in some counties, such as Cheshire County, which had previously leaned more Democratic. The shift in Coos County, from supporting Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016 and 2024, highlighted Trump’s appeal to working-class voters in rural areas.
Overall, the research indicates that New Hampshire bucks the national trend of Democrats performing better in urban areas, with the state serving as a unique case where the party sees success in both rural and urban areas. The researchers emphasized the importance of understanding these dynamics to gain insights into the political landscape of the state.
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