The Danger of Red Dots in Blue States
By: Emily Crofoot
Tags: California, Politics, Opinion

We tend to propel an urgency of supporting blue dots in states that otherwise vote red, and rightfully so; Democratic cities and counties surrounded by an otherwise Republican state deserve, and need, our attention. But, there’s another lurking danger that poses a threat all its own to the well-being of our nation. Though more subtle, deeply red areas in Democratic-leaning states pose just as serious a threat. We can’t neglect to place our time, money, and attention to the red dots in our already blue states.

The Republican areas in reliably blue states like California, New York, and Oregon are an entirely different beast than your typical Republican county. In most often rural, small communities or suburban neighborhoods, the isolation from the big cities creates a festering resentment to the powers that be. For them, it’s a fight for their lives to uphold their values, because if not them, who else?

These voters know they can’t transform the state’s representation in the Senate or governorship, so, state legislatures and House seats are filled by staunch conservatives who we pretend don’t exist, or, arguably worse, are just accidents in an otherwise Democratic haven. This is horribly, dangerously wrong.

Kevin McCarthy, the Republican Representative from Bakersfield, CA, is proof enough of this. An ardent defender of Trump didn’t just find his way into Congress and stay there for the past thirteen years. His votes and indefensible support of the President have not diminished the support in his district. He is able to freely and openly express his harmful political desire without negative consequences on his congressional career. And he’s just the most prominent name. There are hundreds of McCarthy-types across state and local public offices inciting significant harm upon our communities right under our noses.

With no investment in Democratic opposition at the local level, these figures will continue to play the long game, implementing their agenda at the lower levels of government in order to gain the momentum to move up. This means conservative officials filling and keeping the seats in localities. So although, for the foreseeable future, California won’t have a Republican governor, Senator, or majority in the state legislature, many of our municipalities are under Republican control. As we’ve seen the importance of local governments in the wake of COVID-19, this is a point of concern.

Out of the just over 25 million eligible voters in California, just 79% are registered. Although there are less than 5 million registered Republican voters, 28% of voters are independents, and this number is growing at a higher rate than either of two major parties. Not only does this make California a less securely blue state, but it speaks to the larger issue of ignoring voters here.

The consequences of this aren’t just something we see electorally. The pervasiveness of this so-called isolated ideology gifts an unrelenting lie that it’s in danger of collapsing. It makes a scapegoat out of anyone not subscribed to it, leaving the only savior from our problems as itself. In other words, when the only messaging voters receive is that Democrats are the cause of all problems — including that the Republican Party is in danger at the hands of Democrats — it’s able to take root, making it increasingly difficult to convince someone otherwise. Naturally, if this is all you have to believe, you would hold onto it and protect it.

When Democrats ignore the likes of rural California, we provide voters with no other option than what’s presented to them: manipulative Republicans who promise salvation despite their flaws. When they can’t follow through on those promises, they can just blame the Democrats in control, and Democrats aren’t showing up to prove them wrong. It’s a vicious cycle with no end in sight, leaving legitimate issues unsolved.

It leaves harmful social repercussions that are much more deeply rooted than any policy could fix. This feeling of isolation and duty to save the country from collapse takes drastic leaps. Take the Portland MAGA rallies in response to BLM protests; they’re deadly. People from outside Portland flooded into the supposed birthplace of their problems and reacted as they saw appropriate. After all, they see their lives as on the line.

If Democrats aren’t there to show them the full story, how can we expect them to change? With no alternative presented, we leave them prey to Republicans interested only in their own self-advancement. Here, no one wins. People are left in no better position but are lied to into believing those they elected can’t possibly be at fault. Inevitably, when nothing changes, it’s because Democrats have too much power. The solution? Push Democrats out by any means necessary.

Unless Democrats mobilize in these areas and support Democratic candidates, nothing will change. However, it isn’t hopeless. When we invest our time, money, and efforts, we’re able to invoke change. Take the 2018 midterms: Katie Hill flipped a seat held by Republicans for decades by almost 9 points against a two-term incumbent. We can and need to provide Democratic voices in these areas, but that cannot happen if we continue to ignore this plight altogether.