Wyoming, with its vast landscapes and sparse population, has played an interesting role in the U.S. presidential elections. Known for its strong Republican leanings, the state has consistently showcased its political inclinations over the past several elections. Let's delve into the details of the 2016, 2020, and upcoming 2024 presidential elections in Wyoming.
The 2016 Presidential Election in Wyoming
The 2016 presidential election in Wyoming was a significant event, reflecting the state's political tendencies. Prior to the general election, Wyoming held its presidential primaries on March 1 and April 9, 2016. These primaries allowed registered members of the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and Constitution parties to vote for their preferred candidates. Unaffiliated voters had the option to choose any one primary to participate in.
As expected, Wyoming, a state with a strong Republican history, favored Donald Trump. He secured a decisive victory with 67.4% of the vote, while Hillary Clinton garnered only 21.6%. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, received 5.1% of the vote. Trump carried every county in Wyoming except Teton County. His margin of victory, 46.3 points over Clinton, marked the largest in the state's history, surpassing Ronald Reagan's 42.3-point margin in 1984.
The 2020 Presidential Election in Wyoming
The 2020 presidential election, held on November 3, 2020, continued to highlight Wyoming's Republican preference. Wyoming, with its three electoral votes, was firmly in the Republican column. Trump won the state with 69.94% of the vote, making it his strongest performance in the election. Biden received 26.55% of the vote. Despite the overall Republican dominance, Biden managed to win Teton County and narrowly flipped Albany County, indicating a slight shift in voter preferences in specific areas.
Exit polls by the Associated Press revealed that Trump's support in Wyoming came predominantly from white voters, who made up 89% of the electorate. Energy policy was a crucial issue, with 62% of voters prioritizing the expansion of fossil fuel production.
Looking Ahead: The 2024 Presidential Election in Wyoming
As in previous elections, Wyoming will choose three electors to represent the state in the Electoral College. Incumbent Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is running for election. However, Wyoming, known for its Republican leanings, is expected to favor the Republican candidate, likely Donald Trump. The state's voting history, with consistent Republican victories since 1968 (with one exception in 1964), suggests a strong preference for conservative candidates.
Wyoming's role in the U.S. presidential elections underscores its strong Republican identity. The state's voting patterns in 2016 and 2020 demonstrate a clear preference for Republican candidates, a trend expected to continue in the 2024 election.
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