States with similar presidential preferences to Maryland

The five states with the most similar voting history to Maryland in presidential elections tend to prefer Democrats. Four of the five are also located in the Northeast region. In contrast, the five states with the least similar voting preferences are states that have disproportionally rural populations and prefer Republicans.

5 States with similar presidential preferences to Maryland

1. Hawaii and Maryland are extremely different states, but when it comes to presidential elections, they are remarkably similar. In fact, these states have voted for the same ticket in every presidential election, with the exception of 1988.
2. Rhode Island and Maryland have preferred different candidates in just one election since 1960. In 1988, Maryland voted for the Republican, George H.W. Bush, while Maryland voted for Michael Dukakis, who was from New England.
3. New York is another state in the Northeast region. It has only voted in two presidential contests differently than Maryland since 1960. In the 1980 election, Maryland voted for Jimmy Carter, while New York voted for Ronald Reagan. In the 1988 election, Maryland voted for the Republican, while New York voted for the Democrat.
4. Connecticut and Maryland have voted similarly as well. In fact in presidential elections since 1980, these states have preferred the same candidates, with the exception of 1976 and 1976. In those two elections, Maryland voted for Jimmy Carter, unlike Connecticut.
5. Delaware borders Maryland so it is no surprise that it is on this list as well. These states have voted for the same candidates in all but two elections since 1936. Maryland has voted for Democrats more often. Unlike Delaware, it voted for Hubert Humphrey in 1968 and Jimmy Carter in 1980.

5 States with least similar presidential preferences to Maryland

1. Utah
2. Idaho
3. Nebraska
4. Kansas
5. Wyoming

Maryland Presidential Voting History

2020: Joe Biden (D)
2016: Hillary Clinton (D)
2012: Barack Obama (D)
2008: Barack Obama (D)
2004: John Kerry (D)
2000: Al Gore (D)
1996: Bill Clinton (D)
1992: Bill Clinton (D)
1988: George H.W. Bush (R)
1984: Ronald Reagan (R)
1980: Jimmy Carter (D)
1976: Jimmy Carter (D)
1972: Richard Nixon (R)
1968: Hubert Humphrey (D)
1964: Lyndon B. Johnson (D)
1960: John F. Kennedy (D)