Chapter 5 – Voter Behavior & Ohio’s Two-Party System
5.7 The Rural, Suburban & Urban Dynamic in Ohio Elections
Understanding voter behavior in Ohio elections requires a close look at the differences between rural, suburban, and urban areas. Each of these regions has unique characteristics that influence how people vote and what issues they care about, which help to explain why Republicans consistently win statewide.
Rural Areas
Rural areas in Ohio are characterized by smaller populations, less diversity, and a greater focus on agriculture and local businesses. These regions comprise approximately 30% of Ohio’s population. Voters in rural areas tend to prioritize issues like farming policies, land use, and local economic development. They often support Republican candidates who advocate for limited government, lower taxes, and traditional values. Rural areas consistently show strong Republican support, significantly impacting statewide elections.
Small Towns and Small Cities
In addition to rural communities, smaller towns and cities such as Ashtabula, Lima, Steubenville, and Warren are increasingly aligning with Republican voting patterns. These areas, while more urbanized than rural communities, share similar economic and social concerns, which often lead them to favor Republican candidates. The growing Republican support in these smaller towns and cities plays a significant role in shaping the political landscape and impacting statewide elections.
Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Mahoning counties are notable examples of areas where voters have shifted strongly toward Republican candidates. Between 2012 and 2020, voter support in these counties shifted by 30%, moving from favoring the Democratic presidential candidate to favoring the Republican candidate. This represents dramatic realignment in voter preferences.
Suburban Areas
Suburban areas, which are the communities surrounding major cities, are home to about 50% of Ohio’s population. These regions include a mix of residents, including middle-class families, professionals, and increasingly diverse populations. Suburban areas are often considered key swing areas in Ohio elections due to this variability in voter preferences. Suburban voters might be concerned with issues such as education quality, property taxes, and local development.
Their political preferences can be more varied, sometimes leaning toward Republican candidates due to concerns about taxes and regulation, but also showing support for Democratic candidates who address social issues and education. However, suburban voters have increasingly voted Republican in recent elections.
Urban Areas
Urban areas in Ohio, like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, tend to have higher population densities and are more diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These areas, which house approximately 20% of Ohio’s population, often prioritize issues such as public transportation, affordable housing, and social services. Urban voters are more likely to support Democratic candidates who advocate for progressive policies on social issues and government intervention in the economy. In recent elections, Democratic support has increased in Columbus and Cincinnati but has actually decreased in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
Why It Matters
The rural-suburban-urban dynamic is critical in Ohio elections because it shapes the political landscape. Candidates and political parties must tailor their messages to address the specific concerns of voters in these different regions. Rural areas heavily favor Republicans, while suburban areas can swing between parties, making them crucial battlegrounds. Urban areas often support Democrats, but turnout and engagement can vary, influencing overall election outcomes.
Watch this video from the Toledo-based nonprofit Midstory to learn more about how Ohio transformed from a swing state that elected both Democrats and Republicans to a state that now reliably supports Republican candidates.
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBuBb6AaKaA
Duration: 3:41
What’s happening in Ohio follows a nationwide trend. Check out this Pew Research Center report.
References
