Introduction
The political landscape in the United States is often defined by the ideological divide between liberals and conservatives. This divide is reflected in the way states vote during elections, with some states being considered as more liberal or conservative than others. The concept of red and blue states, where red states are generally seen as more conservative and blue states as more liberal, has become a popular way to categorize states based on their political leanings.
The identification of a state as liberal or conservative is often tied to the values of the two major political parties – Republicans and Democrats. While Republicans are traditionally seen as the party of conservatism, Democrats are considered more liberal in their views. This translates into policy positions that tend to be more progressive, such as support for universal healthcare, gun control, and environmental protection.
The most recent presidential election results provide further evidence of the ideological divide between red and blue states. In the 2020 election, Democratic candidate Joe Biden won the popular vote by a 4.5% margin, and he also won the majority of electoral votes. However, this victory was largely driven by the results in blue states. Conversely, Republican candidate Donald Trump won many of the red states by wide margins, although he ultimately lost the election.
In conclusion, the identification of a state as liberal or conservative is a reflection of the values held by its residents and is often tied to the political ideology of the two major political parties. While the divide between red and blue states can be seen as a symbol of the ideological differences between liberals and conservatives, it is important to remember that individual voters can hold a wide range of political beliefs, regardless of the state they live in.
State | State Ideological Identification | Liberal Political Identification | Conservative Political Identification | Red or Blue State |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona | Conservative | 21% | 37% | Democrat |
Kentucky | Conservative | 20% | 39% | Republican |
New Mexico | Conservative | 20% | 38% | Democrat |
North Carolina | Conservative | 21% | 39% | Republican |
Ohio | Conservative | 22% | 37% | Republican |
Texas | Conservative | 20% | 38% | Republican |
Alabama | Highly Conservative | 14% | 46% | Republican |
Alaska | Highly Conservative | 17% | 40% | Republican |
Arkansas | Highly Conservative | 15% | 41% | Republican |
Georgia | Highly Conservative | 19% | 39% | Democrat |
Idaho | Highly Conservative | 17% | 40% | Republican |
Indiana | Highly Conservative | 17% | 39% | Republican |
Kansas | Highly Conservative | 18% | 39% | Republican |
Louisiana | Highly Conservative | 15% | 43% | Republican |
Mississippi | Highly Conservative | 12% | 50% | Republican |
Missouri | Highly Conservative | 20% | 41% | Republican |
Montana | Highly Conservative | 18% | 39% | Republican |
North Dakota | Highly Conservative | 18% | 39% | Republican |
Oklahoma | Highly Conservative | 18% | 43% | Republican |
South Carolina | Highly Conservative | 16% | 41% | Republican |
South Dakota | Highly Conservative | 13% | 44% | Republican |
Tennessee | Highly Conservative | 17% | 43% | Republican |
Utah | Highly Conservative | 15% | 41% | Republican |
West Virginia | Highly Conservative | 17% | 45% | Republican |
Wyoming | Highly Conservative | 18% | 46% | Republican |
Colorado | Moderate | 26% | 33% | Democrat |
Florida | Moderate | 22% | 36% | Republican |
Iowa | Moderate | 21% | 35% | Republican |
Michigan | Moderate | 23% | 33% | Democrat |
Minnesota | Moderate | 25% | 32% | Democrat |
Nebraska | Moderate | 22% | 36% | Republican |
Nevada | Moderate | 23% | 33% | Democrat |
Pennsylvania | Moderate | 24% | 34% | Democrat |
Virginia | Moderate | 24% | 33% | Democrat |
Wisconsin | Moderate | 24% | 35% | Democrat |
California | Liberal | 29% | 29% | Democrat |
Connecticut | Liberal | 27% | 30% | Democrat |
Delaware | Liberal | 24% | 29% | Democrat |
Illinois | Liberal | 27% | 31% | Democrat |
Maine | Liberal | 33% | 35% | Democrat |
Maryland | Liberal | 28% | 29% | Democrat |
New Jersey | Liberal | 27% | 29% | Democrat |
Oregon | Liberal | 28% | 32% | Democrat |
Rhode Island | Liberal | 25% | 29% | Democrat |
Hawaii | Highly Liberal | 28% | 22% | Democrat |
Massachusetts | Highly Liberal | 35% | 21% | Democrat |
New Hampshire | Highly Liberal | 30% | 28% | Democrat |
New York | Highly Liberal | 30% | 27% | Democrat |
Vermont | Highly Liberal | 32% | 28% | Democrat |
Washington | Highly Liberal | 31% | 28% | Democrat |
Most Liberal States
The most liberal states in the US are Washington, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, as their people self-identify as highly liberal, as opposed to liberal, moderate, conservative or highly conservative, according to a Gallup study. In terms of the percentage of people who identify as liberal rather than republican in those six most liberal states, Washington has a liberal identification rate of 31%, Vermont 32%, New York 30%, New Hampshire 30%, Massachusetts 35%, and Hawaii 28%. These states all have a Democrat party majority and are considered blue states. They are also some of the wealthiest and most educated states in the country, with high levels of income and educational attainment. In addition, they tend to be more diverse and progressive than many other parts of the country.
Most Liberal States in the US
The six most liberal states in the US are :
1. Massachusetts – Highly Liberal – 35%
2. Vermont – Highly Liberal – 32%
3. Washington – Highly Liberal – 31%
4. New York – Highly Liberal – 30%
5. New Hampshire – Highly Liberal – 30%
6. Hawaii – Highly Liberal – 28%
Most Liberal State
Massachusetts is considered the most liberal state in the US, with a rate of 35% of its population self-identifying as liberal, and 21% identifying as conservative. It is a solidly blue state, and voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Historically, Massachusetts has been a leader in progressive politics, with a strong tradition of social and environmental activism. It is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Harvard and MIT, which have contributed to its reputation as an intellectual and cultural hub. Values that are important to Massachusetts residents include education, healthcare, and social justice, as well as economic prosperity and innovation.
Liberal States
Beyond the six states that are the most liberal – Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Washington, New York, and New Hampshire – there are another nine states that are considered to be liberal. The other nine liberal states are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Delaware. These liberal states tend to have certain characteristics in common, such as higher levels of education, more diverse populations, and more progressive attitudes towards social issues. Many of these states are also known for being strongholds for the Democratic Party, although there are exceptions, such as Maine and New Hampshire, which are swing states. Overall, these states tend to be more politically and socially progressive than other parts of the country, and they have been at the forefront of many important policy debates and social movements.
Liberal States in the US
The 15 liberal states in the US are :
1. Massachusetts – Highly Liberal – 35%
2. Maine – Liberal – 33%
3. Vermont – Highly Liberal – 32%
4. Washington – Highly Liberal – 31%
5. New York – Highly Liberal – 30%
6. New Hampshire – Highly Liberal – 30%
7. California – Liberal – 29%
8. Hawaii – Highly Liberal – 28%
9. Oregon – Liberal – 28%
10. Maryland – Liberal – 28%
11. Connecticut – Liberal – 27%
12. New Jersey – Liberal – 27%
13. Illinois – Liberal – 27%
14. Rhode Island – Liberal – 25%
15. Delaware – Liberal – 24%
Source
The Gallup study referenced in this page is a comprehensive analysis of the political leanings of individuals across all 50 states in the United States. The study gathered data through telephone interviews with a random sample of over 177,000 adults, asking participants to self-identify as either conservative, moderate, or liberal. The main conclusion of the study was that conservatives greatly outnumber liberals in most U.S. states, with 39 states showing a higher percentage of conservatives compared to liberals. Only six states had a higher percentage of self-identified liberals, while five states were relatively balanced between the two. The study also noted that the distribution of political leanings varied widely across different regions of the country.
State Ideological Identification by State
Alabama
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
14%
Ranked in the US
#48
Conservative Political Identification
46%
Ranked in the US
#2
Red or Blue State
Republican
Alaska
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
17%
Ranked in the US
#39
Conservative Political Identification
40%
Ranked in the US
#13
Red or Blue State
Republican
Arizona
Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
21%
Ranked in the US
#26
Conservative Political Identification
37%
Ranked in the US
#24
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Arkansas
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
15%
Ranked in the US
#45
Conservative Political Identification
41%
Ranked in the US
#9
Red or Blue State
Republican
California
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
29%
Ranked in the US
#7
Conservative Political Identification
29%
Ranked in the US
#40
Red or Blue State
Democrat
California is a liberal state with 29% of its population identifying as liberal. As the most populous state in the US, California has a significant impact on national politics. In the 2020 presidential election, California voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden, with the President winning more than 63% of the vote in the state. California is home to 53 seats in the House of Representatives, of which 42 are currently held by Democrats. In the Senate, both of California's Senators are Democrats. The state's Governor, Gavin Newsom, is also a Democrat, and the state's legislature is dominated by Democrats. Known for its progressive values, California is at the forefront of social justice movements and environmental activism. The state has a long history of advocating for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare reform.
Colorado
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
26%
Ranked in the US
#14
Conservative Political Identification
33%
Ranked in the US
#32
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Connecticut
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
27%
Ranked in the US
#11
Conservative Political Identification
30%
Ranked in the US
#39
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Delaware
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
24%
Ranked in the US
#17
Conservative Political Identification
29%
Ranked in the US
#41
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Florida
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
22%
Ranked in the US
#23
Conservative Political Identification
36%
Ranked in the US
#26
Red or Blue State
Republican
Georgia
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
19%
Ranked in the US
#33
Conservative Political Identification
39%
Ranked in the US
#15
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Hawaii
Highly Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
28%
Ranked in the US
#8
Conservative Political Identification
22%
Ranked in the US
#49
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Hawaii is a highly liberal state with 28% of its population identifying as liberal. Hawaii is traditionally a blue state, and in the 2020 presidential election, the state voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden. Currently, Hawaii has two Democratic seats in the House of Representatives, and both of Hawaii's Senators are Democrats. The state's Governor, Josh Green, is also a Democrat, and the state legislature is controlled by Democrats. Hawaii is known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and progressive values. The state has a history of prioritizing issues like education, healthcare, and environmentalism, and it has been a leader in advocating for indigenous rights and protecting natural resources.
Idaho
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
17%
Ranked in the US
#40
Conservative Political Identification
40%
Ranked in the US
#14
Red or Blue State
Republican
Illinois
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
27%
Ranked in the US
#12
Conservative Political Identification
31%
Ranked in the US
#38
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Indiana
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
17%
Ranked in the US
#41
Conservative Political Identification
39%
Ranked in the US
#16
Red or Blue State
Republican
Iowa
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
21%
Ranked in the US
#27
Conservative Political Identification
35%
Ranked in the US
#28
Red or Blue State
Republican
Kansas
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
18%
Ranked in the US
#34
Conservative Political Identification
39%
Ranked in the US
#17
Red or Blue State
Republican
Kentucky
Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
20%
Ranked in the US
#29
Conservative Political Identification
39%
Ranked in the US
#18
Red or Blue State
Republican
Louisiana
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
15%
Ranked in the US
#46
Conservative Political Identification
43%
Ranked in the US
#6
Red or Blue State
Republican
Maine
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
33%
Ranked in the US
#2
Conservative Political Identification
35%
Ranked in the US
#29
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Maine is the second most liberal state with 33% of its population identifying as liberal. Maine is generally considered a blue state, and in the 2020 presidential election, it voted for Joe Biden. In the House of Representatives, Maine holds two seats, both of which are held by Democrats. The state has a unique political landscape with one of its Senators being an independent and the other being a Republican. The Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, is also a Democrat, further solidifying the state's liberal leanings. Maine is known for its environmental activism, social welfare programs, and progressive stance on healthcare. In recent years, the state has made headlines for its successful implementation of ranked-choice voting, which could serve as a model for other states looking to reform their electoral systems.
Maryland
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
28%
Ranked in the US
#9
Conservative Political Identification
29%
Ranked in the US
#42
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Maryland is a liberal state with 28% of its population identifying as liberal. In the 2020 presidential election, Maryland voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden. The state currently has seven Democratic seats and one Republican seat in the House of Representatives, and both of Maryland's Senators are Democrats. The state's Governor, Wes Moore, is also a Democrat. Maryland has a history of prioritizing issues like education, healthcare, and environmentalism. It is known for its diverse population and its commitment to social justice issues like civil rights and immigrant rights.
Massachusetts
Highly Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
35%
Ranked in the US
#1
Conservative Political Identification
21%
Ranked in the US
#50
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Massachusetts is the most liberal state with 35% of its population identifying as liberal. Despite being a traditionally blue state, Massachusetts is known for having a diverse political landscape. However in the 2020 presidential election, Massachusetts voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden, cementing its status as a democratic stronghold. In the House of Representatives, Massachusetts currently holds nine seats, all of which are held by Democrats. In the Senate, both of Massachusetts' Senators are Democrats. The state's current Governor, Maura Healey, is also a Democrat, continuing a trend of Democratic leadership in the state's executive branch. Additionally, the state has a long history of championing social justice, environmentalism, and healthcare reform. Overall, the values of equality, education, and social welfare tend to dominate the political discourse in Massachusetts.
Michigan
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
23%
Ranked in the US
#21
Conservative Political Identification
33%
Ranked in the US
#33
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Minnesota
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
25%
Ranked in the US
#15
Conservative Political Identification
32%
Ranked in the US
#36
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Mississippi
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
12%
Ranked in the US
#50
Conservative Political Identification
50%
Ranked in the US
#1
Red or Blue State
Republican
Missouri
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
20%
Ranked in the US
#30
Conservative Political Identification
41%
Ranked in the US
#10
Red or Blue State
Republican
Montana
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
18%
Ranked in the US
#35
Conservative Political Identification
39%
Ranked in the US
#19
Red or Blue State
Republican
Nebraska
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
22%
Ranked in the US
#24
Conservative Political Identification
36%
Ranked in the US
#27
Red or Blue State
Republican
Nevada
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
23%
Ranked in the US
#22
Conservative Political Identification
33%
Ranked in the US
#34
Red or Blue State
Democrat
New Hampshire
Highly Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
30%
Ranked in the US
#5
Conservative Political Identification
28%
Ranked in the US
#45
Red or Blue State
Democrat
New Hampshire is the fifth most liberal state with 30% of its population identifying as liberal. New Hampshire is a swing state that has voted for both Democrats and Republicans in recent presidential elections. However, in the 2020 presidential election, the state voted for Joe Biden. In the House of Representatives, New Hampshire, has two Democrat representatives. In the Senate, New Hampshire's Senators are Democrats. The Governor of New Hampshire, Chris Sununu, is a Republican. Despite this mixed political landscape, New Hampshire is known for its progressive policies, which include strong environmental protections, comprehensive healthcare, and a commitment to social welfare programs.
New Jersey
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
27%
Ranked in the US
#13
Conservative Political Identification
29%
Ranked in the US
#43
Red or Blue State
Democrat
New Mexico
Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
20%
Ranked in the US
#31
Conservative Political Identification
38%
Ranked in the US
#22
Red or Blue State
Democrat
New York
Highly Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
30%
Ranked in the US
#6
Conservative Political Identification
27%
Ranked in the US
#48
Red or Blue State
Democrat
New York is the sixth most liberal state with 30% of its population identifying as liberal. New York is a solidly blue state that has not voted for a Republican president since 1984. In the 2020 presidential election, New York voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden. In the House of Representatives, New York holds 26 seats, 15 of which are held by Democrats. In the Senate, both of New York's Senators are Democrats. The Governor of New York is also a Democrat. New York is known for its progressive policies, which include comprehensive healthcare, environmental protections, and a strong commitment to social welfare programs. The state is also a leader in the fight for voting rights and electoral reform.
North Carolina
Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
21%
Ranked in the US
#28
Conservative Political Identification
39%
Ranked in the US
#20
Red or Blue State
Republican
North Dakota
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
18%
Ranked in the US
#36
Conservative Political Identification
39%
Ranked in the US
#21
Red or Blue State
Republican
Ohio
Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
22%
Ranked in the US
#25
Conservative Political Identification
37%
Ranked in the US
#25
Red or Blue State
Republican
Oklahoma
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
18%
Ranked in the US
#37
Conservative Political Identification
43%
Ranked in the US
#7
Red or Blue State
Republican
Oregon
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
28%
Ranked in the US
#10
Conservative Political Identification
32%
Ranked in the US
#37
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Oregon is a liberal state with 28% of its population identifying as liberal. In the 2020 presidential election, Oregon voted for Joe Biden, continuing a trend of Democratic victories in the state. Currently, Oregon has four Democratic seats and two Republican seats in the House of Representatives. In the Senate, both of Oregon's Senators are Democrats. The state's Governor, Tina Kotek, is also a Democrat, and the state legislature is controlled by Democrats. Oregon has a reputation for being environmentally conscious and socially progressive, and it has been at the forefront of issues like healthcare reform, climate change, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Pennsylvania
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
24%
Ranked in the US
#18
Conservative Political Identification
34%
Ranked in the US
#31
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Rhode Island
Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
25%
Ranked in the US
#16
Conservative Political Identification
29%
Ranked in the US
#44
Red or Blue State
Democrat
South Carolina
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
16%
Ranked in the US
#44
Conservative Political Identification
41%
Ranked in the US
#11
Red or Blue State
Republican
South Dakota
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
13%
Ranked in the US
#49
Conservative Political Identification
44%
Ranked in the US
#5
Red or Blue State
Republican
Tennessee
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
17%
Ranked in the US
#42
Conservative Political Identification
43%
Ranked in the US
#8
Red or Blue State
Republican
Texas
Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
20%
Ranked in the US
#32
Conservative Political Identification
38%
Ranked in the US
#23
Red or Blue State
Republican
Utah
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
15%
Ranked in the US
#47
Conservative Political Identification
41%
Ranked in the US
#12
Red or Blue State
Republican
Vermont
Highly Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
32%
Ranked in the US
#3
Conservative Political Identification
28%
Ranked in the US
#46
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Vermont is the third most liberal state with 32% of its population identifying as liberal. Vermont is a solidly blue state that has not voted for a Republican president since 1988. In the 2020 presidential election, Vermont voted for Joe Biden. Vermont's sole Representative in the House is a Democrat, as is one of its Senators. The other Senator is an independent who caucuses with the Democrats. Vermont is known for its progressive politics, which include strong environmental protections, comprehensive healthcare, and robust social welfare programs. The state was also the first in the country to legalize same-sex marriage through a legislative process rather than through the courts.
Virginia
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
24%
Ranked in the US
#19
Conservative Political Identification
33%
Ranked in the US
#35
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Washington
Highly Liberal
Liberal Political Identification
31%
Ranked in the US
#4
Conservative Political Identification
28%
Ranked in the US
#47
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Washington is the fourth most liberal state with 31% of its population identifying as liberal. Washington is another solidly blue state that has not voted for a Republican president since 1984. In the 2020 presidential election, the state voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden. In the House of Representatives, Washington holds ten seats, seven of which are held by Democrats. In the Senate, both of Washington's Senators are Democrats. The Governor of Washington is also a Democrat. The state is known for its progressive policies, which include comprehensive healthcare, environmental protections, and a strong commitment to social welfare programs. In recent years, Washington has also become a leader in the fight for voting rights and electoral reform.
West Virginia
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
17%
Ranked in the US
#43
Conservative Political Identification
45%
Ranked in the US
#4
Red or Blue State
Republican
Wisconsin
Moderate
Liberal Political Identification
24%
Ranked in the US
#20
Conservative Political Identification
35%
Ranked in the US
#30
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Wyoming
Highly Conservative
Liberal Political Identification
18%
Ranked in the US
#38
Conservative Political Identification
46%
Ranked in the US
#3
Red or Blue State
Republican
FAQs
What is the most liberal state ?
The most liberal state in the USA is Massachusetts, with a rate of 35% of its population self-identifying as liberal, and 21% identifying as conservative.
What are the most liberal states ?
The most liberal states in the US are Washington, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.
What are the top 15 liberal states ?
The 15 liberal states in the US are :
1. Massachusetts – Highly Liberal – 35%
2. Maine – Liberal – 33%
3. Vermont – Highly Liberal – 32%
4. Washington – Highly Liberal – 31%
5. New York – Highly Liberal – 30%
6. New Hampshire – Highly Liberal – 30%
7. California – Liberal – 29%
8. Hawaii – Highly Liberal – 28%
9. Oregon – Liberal – 28%
10. Maryland – Liberal – 28%
11. Connecticut – Liberal – 27%
12. New Jersey – Liberal – 27%
13. Illinois – Liberal – 27%
14. Rhode Island – Liberal – 25%
15. Delaware – Liberal – 24%
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