Tennessee has often favored the Republican Party in presidential elections. Since 1960, the state has only voted for a Democrat on three occasions. Of the five states with the most similar voting records in presidential elections, three are in the Southern region.
5 States with similar presidential preferences to Tennessee
- Kentucky is extremely similar to Tennessee. 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.
- Arkansas and Tennessee also border each other. 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.
- Missouri borders both Kentucky and Arkansas so it is not a 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 Tennessee voted for Richard Nixon, not John F. Kennedy.
- Montana is far away from Tennessee, but the state has a similar voting record in presidential elections. Since 1960, they have only not preferred the same candidate two times. In 1976 and 1996, Montana voted for the Republican ticket, unlike Tennessee.
- Ohio and Tennessee have also voted similarly in elections. Since 1960, these states have voted for the same candidates in every election, with the exception of Obama’s campaigns in 2008 and 2012. Both states voted for Donald Trump three times.
5 States with least similar presidential preferences to Tennessee
Tennessee 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)