California’s transformation — from a red state in the early 20th century, to a purple one after World War II, to deep blue in the 21st century — has had enormous consequences for American politics.
Home to nearly one out of eight Americans, California’s 54 electoral votes provide one-fifth of the total needed to win the presidency.
But the emergence of blue California is also fascinating historically, given the state’s legacy as the birthplace of Reagan Republicanism.
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William Voegeli is senior editor of the Claremont Review of Books and the author of Never Enough: America’s Limitless Welfare State. Adapted from City Journal.
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