Delaware, the first state to join the American Union in 1787, holds a unique place in American history. Named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, the first governor of Virginia under British colonial rule, Delaware boasts a rich heritage and a compelling political story.
While Delaware has participated in all 59 presidential elections, its electoral influence has been consistent, with three electoral votes for most of its history, except for three elections in the early 19th century when it held four votes. The state’s political landscape, however, has been significantly shaped by the powerful DuPont family.
The DuPont legacy intertwined business with politics, creating a long-standing Republican dominance. Pete du Pont, a family heir, is credited with bringing the credit card industry to Delaware and later ventured into politics, serving as a Republican governor of Delaware and even running for president. This family influence ensured a consistent Republican vote for an extended period.
But demographics and the changing economic landscape have transformed Delaware’s political scene. While the state’s population of 1 million is predominantly White (68%), with 24% Black and a small Asian population (4-5%), the political landscape has shifted dramatically.
Despite a history of Republican dominance, Delaware has become solidly blue, consistently voting for Democratic nominees in the past eight US presidential elections. This shift, however, was not immediate. The longest Republican reign lasted from 1916 to 1932, spanning five elections. The last time Delaware voted for a Republican candidate was in 1988, when George H.W. Bush secured victory.
Bill Clinton’s win in 1992 marked a turning point, solidifying Delaware’s Democratic allegiance. This trend continued with Hillary Clinton’s victory in 2016, followed by a landslide win for Joe Biden in 2020, with a 19-point lead over Donald Trump. This result reflects a significant increase from Hillary Clinton’s 11-point lead in 2016, signaling a strengthening of the Democratic base in Delaware.
Looking ahead to the 2024 US presidential election, Delaware is not considered a battleground state. With the diversification of the DuPont family’s business and the rise of globalization, the Republican influence has diminished, making it unlikely for the state to shift back to red.
As Delaware stands firmly in the blue zone, it is unlikely to play a crucial role in the Kamala Harris-versus-Donald Trump showdown. However, its electoral history serves as a fascinating testament to the dynamics of political change, shaped by influential families, shifting demographics, and the evolving economic landscape.
