As the 2020 election season approaches, all eyes are on the political landscape in the United States. While much attention is given to the presidential race and major cities, it's important to also examine the demographics of political candidates in smaller, more rural areas. In this article, I will take a closer look at the demographic makeup of political candidates in southeastern Washington.
The Region
Southeastern Washington is a largely rural area that encompasses several counties, including Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Columbia. The region is known for its agricultural industry, with crops such as apples, wheat, and grapes being major contributors to the local economy.The largest city in this region is Kennewick, with a population of just over 80,000 people.
The Political Landscape
Like many rural areas in the United States, southeastern Washington is predominantly conservative. In the 2016 presidential election, the majority of voters in Benton and Franklin counties voted for Donald Trump. However, there are also pockets of liberal voters in this region, particularly in Walla Walla County. When it comes to local politics, the majority of elected officials in southeastern Washington are Republican. This includes county commissioners, mayors, and state representatives.However, there are also some Democratic officials in this region, particularly in more urban areas like Kennewick.
The Demographics of Political Candidates
One of the most striking aspects of political candidates in southeastern Washington is their lack of diversity. The vast majority of candidates are white males over the age of 50. This is reflective of the overall demographics of the region, where over 80% of residents identify as white and the median age is 38 years old. Another notable trend is the high number of candidates with a background in agriculture. This is not surprising given the importance of the industry in this region.Many candidates have experience as farmers, ranchers, or business owners in the agricultural sector. When it comes to education, the majority of political candidates in southeastern Washington have at least a bachelor's degree. This is higher than the overall education level of the region, where only about 25% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher.
The Role of Gender and Race
As mentioned earlier, the vast majority of political candidates in southeastern Washington are white males. This raises questions about representation and diversity in local politics. With such a homogenous group of candidates, it can be difficult for underrepresented groups to have their voices heard and their needs addressed. There has been some progress in recent years, with more women and people of color running for office in this region.However, there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving true representation and diversity among political candidates.
The Impact on Elections
The lack of diversity among political candidates in southeastern Washington can have a significant impact on elections. With such a homogenous group of candidates, there may be limited perspectives and ideas being presented to voters. This can lead to a lack of innovation and progress in local policies and initiatives. Additionally, the demographics of political candidates can also influence voter turnout. If certain groups do not feel represented by the candidates on the ballot, they may be less likely to participate in the election process.Conclusion
The demographic makeup of political candidates in southeastern Washington is reflective of the overall demographics of the region.While there has been some progress in terms of diversity and representation, there is still a long way to go. As we continue to examine and analyze the political landscape in this region, it's important to consider the impact of demographics on elections and the need for more diverse and representative candidates.
