Kentucky has often favored the Republican Party in presidential elections. Since 1960, the state has only voted for a Democrat on three occasions. Interestingly enough, the five states with the most similar voting records in presidential elections are from a variety of regions.
5 States with similar presidential preferences to Kentucky
- Tennessee is extremely similar to Kentucky. They share a long border. The two states have voted for the same presidential candidates in every election since 1956. In 1952, Kentucky voted for Adlai Stevenson, while Tennessee voted for Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Montana is far away from Kentucky, but the state has a similar voting record in presidential elections. Since 1960, they have only not preferred the same candidate in two contests. In 1976 and 1996, Montana voted for the Republican ticket, unlike Kentucky.
- Missouri borders both Kentucky and Tennessee so it is no surprise it is on this list as well. These states have voted for the same presidential tickets in every election since 1964. However, in 1960 Kentucky voted for Richard Nixon, not John F. Kennedy.
- Alaska is extremely far away from Kentucky, but these states still have preferred similar candidates in presidential elections. Since Alaska began voting for president, the states have only disagreed on the candidate three times. In each of these instances, Alaska voted for the Republican, while Kentucky voted for the Democrat.
- Arkansas is another state that borders the Mississippi River on this list. Since 1960, the two states have only not voted for the same presidential candidate twice. Once in 1960 and once in 1968. In those elections Arkansas favored John F. Kennedy and George Wallace.
5 States with least similar presidential preferences to Kentucky
Kentucky Presidential Voting History
2024: Donald Trump (R)
2020: Donald Trump (R)
2016: Donald Trump (R)
2012: Mitt Romney (R)
2008: John McCain (R)
2004: George W. Bush (R)
2000: George W. Bush (R)
1996: Bill Clinton (D)
1992: Bill Clinton (D)
1988: George H.W. Bush (R)
1984: Ronald Reagan (R)
1980: Ronald Reagan (R)
1976: Jimmy Carter (D)
1972: Richard Nixon (R)
1968: Richard Nixon (R)
1964: Lyndon B. Johnson (D)
1960: Richard Nixon (R)