Nevada Dems Are Fleeing Their Party For The GOP

Thousands of Nevada Democrats have left their party and re-registered as Republicans and independents, turning a blue-leaning state increasingly red, according to The Nevada Independent.

Approximately 2,300 Democrats have left the party and re-registered as Republicans, while an additional 5,000 non-partisan voters also joined the GOP over the last three months, The Nevada Independent reported. Since January 2022, the gap between the number of Democrats and the number of Republicans decreased by almost 15,000 registered voters to roughly 50,000, according to the Office of Nevada’s Secretary of State.

President Joe Biden won Nevada during the 2020 presidential election by roughly 33,000 votes; however, President Trump was able to increase the number of votes he received in the states most populous counties when compared to the 2016 election results, according to Politico. If the trend continues in the GOP’s favor, Biden’s lead would be cut in half and Nevada would be a toss-up for the first time since 2004.

In October 2020, the gap between registered Republicans and Democrats was nearly 90,000 voters, according to statistics from Nevada’s secretary of state. As of May 2022, the gap is less than 60,000 voters and falling fast as more Nevadans unregister from the Democratic Party.

The Rio Grande valley in Texas is experiencing a similar phenomenon as Republicans have increased turnout and registration, according to The Texas Tribune.

The upcoming special election in Texas’ 34th Congressional District, located near the Rio Grande River, has seen Republican candidate Mayra Flores gain momentum and support in a traditionally solid blue district. The strong support for Flores’ campaign comes from what the GOP sees as a real opportunity to “turn the entire Rio Grande Valley red in the midterms,” according to Politico.

The trends in Nevada and Texas come as many political pundits predict an imminent “red wave” in November’s elections, according to Politico. Both the House and the Senate are expected to fall into the GOP’s hands.