The five states with the most similar voting history to Massachusetts in presidential elections tend to heavily prefer Democrats. Four of the five are 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 Massachusetts
- New York borders Massachusetts. It also has extremely similar preferences in presidential elections. In fact, the two states have voted for the same candidate for president in every election since 1932, with the exception of 1972.
- Rhode Island is another liberal state in the Northeast, where Democrats are extremely strong. Since 1960, Rhode Island and Massachusetts have voted for the same presidential candidates, with the exception of 1972 and 1980.
- Hawaii and Massachusetts are extremely different states, but when it comes to presidential elections, they quite similar. Both states tend to prefer Democrats in presidential elections.
- Maryland and Massachusetts have consistently voted for the Democratic candidate in every presidential election, since 1992. Their shift aligns with broader national trends where urbanized, coastal states moved towards the Democratic Party.
- Connecticut, like Maryland and Massachusetts, voted for John F. Kennedy. However, From 1968 to 1988, Connecticut often leaned Republican, voting for Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.
5 States with least similar presidential preferences to Massachusetts
Massachusetts 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: Michael Dukakis (D)
1984: Ronald Reagan (R)
1980: Ronald Reagan (R)
1976: Jimmy Carter (D)
1972: George McGovern (R)
1968: Hubert Humphrey (D)
1964: Lyndon B. Johnson (D)
1960: John F. Kennedy (D)