The Shifting South

Generations ago, “Solid South” stood for the Democratic dominance of southern politics. By the turn of the 21st century, Republicans had taken hold of the South. Today, we are seeing the beginning of another regional political transformation, this time in the progressive direction. As population growth occurs, it has a direct impact on the growth of attachment to the Democratic Party and its candidates. The demographic and political identities of movers—whether they come from outside the South or not—are propelling this political sea change. The migratory patterns of movers that determine local and state population growth are changing the South. When movers flock to an area, they alter the politics of long-term residents, stayers. Movers also alter the politics of the places they leave. This growth is changing state-level politics as well as local politics. Movers and Stayers explains why this is happening and what it means for southern politics.