The five states with the most similar voting history to Rhode Island in presidential elections tend to prefer Democrats. 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 Rhode Island
- Hawaii and Rhode Island 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 they have both participated in. They have only voted for Republicans twice sine 1960.
- Maryland and Rhode Island have preferred different candidates in just one election since 1960. In 1988, Maryland voted for the Republican, George H.W. Bush, while Rhode Island voted for Michael Dukakis, who was from New England.
- New York is another state that has only voted in one presidential contest differently than Rhode Island since 1960. In the 1980 election, Rhode Island voted for Jimmy Carter, while New York voted for Ronald Reagan, like most other states.
- Massachusetts 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. In fact, Massachusetts was the only state in 1972 to vote for George McGovern instead of Richard Nixon.
- Minnesota is one of the only states that has preferred Democratic candidates more often than Rhode Island, since 1960. In fact, in 1984, Minnesota was the only state to vote for Walter Mondale. A big reason for this is that he was from Minnesota.
5 States with least similar presidential preferences to Rhode Island
Rhode Island 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: 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)