The 2020 Presidential Election in the South details how the 2020 presidential election developed in the twelve states of the South. This edited volume features preeminent scholars of Southern politics who analyze the momentous Election of 2020. In addition to chapters organized by state, this volume also focuses upon the issues that drove southern voters, the nominations process in early 2020, as well as a chapter focusing on where the region may be headed politically in the next decade. In addition, each state chapter includes analysis on notable congressional races and important patterns at the state level. The authors also provide keen insight into the ever-changing political patterns in the region. Since the South continues to evolve in terms of politics and demographic shifts, this book will be an important tool for academics. However, the book will also enlighten journalists and political enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary changes in Southern electoral politics.
Scott E. Buchanan is professor of political science and chair of the Department of Government and Sociology at Georgia College and State University. Branwell DuBose Kapeluck is professor of political science at The Citadel.
Part I: The Setting and Nominating Process Chapter 1: The 2020 Southern Electorate: Demographics, Issues, and (In)Distinctiveness by Patrick R. Miller Chapter 2: The 2020 Presidential Nomination Process by Aaron A. Hitefield and M.V. Hood III Part II: Elections in the Deep South Chapter 3: Alabama: Politics of Personality in the Heart of Dixie by Shannon L. Bridgmon Chapter 4: Georgia: Breakthrough to Blue by Charles S. Bullock, III Chapter 5: Louisiana: Trump Support in This Swamp Runs Deep by Robert E. Hogan and Anna R. Elinkowski Chapter 6: Mississippi: Republican Hegemony Persists by Stephen D. Shaffer Chapter 7: South Carolina: Redder than Red for Now by Branwell DuBose Kapeluck and Scott E. Buchanan Part III: Elections in the Rim South Chapter 8: Arkansas: Once More with Feeling for Trump by Jay Barth and Janine A. Parry Chapter 9: Florida: Kingmaker No More? by Jonathan Knuckey and Aubrey Jewett Chapter 10: Kentucky 2020: Bluegrass, Red State by Joel Turner, Scott Lasley, and Jeffrey P. Kash Chapter 11: North Carolina: Even More Deeply Divided in 2020 by J. Michael Bitzer Chapter 12: Tennessee: Trump Territory, Again by Vaughn May Chapter 13: Texas: Texas: Partisan Changes Finally Afoot by Seth C. McKee Chapter 14: Virginia: Trump Accelerates the Bluing of the Commonwealth by John J. McGlennon Chapter 15: Five Southern States That Could Change American Politics by H. Gibbs Knotts
The South is back as a central player in U.S. elections. I greatly enjoyed reading this fantastic book, which shows that race, religion, suburbanization, and region are central to our new and emerging understanding of southern politics. This collection of essays presents one of the best and most accessible deep dives into the region's role in the 2020 elections. If you want to know how the South shapes the electoral politics of the United States, read this book! -- Christian Grose, University of Southern California The South is a hotbed of political change. Demography is catching up with politics. It is the most exciting of regions, for better, a more competitive and representative politics, or worse, increased restrictions on voting by people of color. With Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and other states threatening to adapt, short-term or long-term, to the politics of mainstream America. -- William Crotty, Northeastern University
