Hillsborough County, located in the southern part of New Hampshire, has a rich history when it comes to elections. As one of the most populous counties in the state, it has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of New Hampshire. From local elections to presidential campaigns, Hillsborough County has been a battleground for politicians vying for votes.
The Early Years
The first recorded election in Hillsborough County was in 1771, just five years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. At that time, the county was much larger and included present-day Merrimack and Belknap counties.The county seat was located in Amherst, but it was later moved to Nashua in 1823. During the early years, Hillsborough County was predominantly Republican. In fact, from 1856 to 1912, the county voted Republican in every presidential election except for one. This trend continued until the early 20th century when the county started to shift towards the Democratic Party.
The Rise of the Democrats
In 1916, Woodrow Wilson became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win Hillsborough County. This marked a turning point in the county's voting history as it started to lean more towards the Democratic Party.However, it wasn't until the 1930s that Democrats gained a stronghold in Hillsborough County. During this time, Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies were popular among voters in Hillsborough County. In fact, Roosevelt won by a large margin in both the 1932 and 1936 elections. This trend continued with other Democratic candidates such as Harry S.
Truman and John F. Kennedy winning by significant margins in Hillsborough County.
The Republican Comeback
In the 1970s, Hillsborough County saw a shift back towards the Republican Party. This was largely due to the rise of conservative politics and the popularity of Republican candidates such as Ronald Reagan. In the 1980s, Hillsborough County voted Republican in every presidential election except for one. However, in the 1990s, Hillsborough County once again became a battleground for both parties.In the 1992 presidential election, Bill Clinton won by a narrow margin in the county. This was followed by a win for Republican candidate George W. Bush in 2000. Since then, Hillsborough County has been a swing county, with both parties winning in different elections.
The Impact of Local Elections
While presidential elections often take center stage, local elections also play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Hillsborough County.In recent years, there has been a shift towards more progressive policies in the county, with Democrats winning key positions such as county commissioner and sheriff. In 2018, Democrat Molly Kelly won the race for governor in Hillsborough County, beating incumbent Republican Chris Sununu. This was seen as a significant victory for Democrats and showed that the county was becoming more politically diverse.
The Future of Hillsborough County Elections
As we look towards future elections in Hillsborough County, it's clear that the county will continue to be a battleground for both parties. With its diverse population and changing demographics, it's difficult to predict which party will come out on top in future elections. However, one thing is certain - Hillsborough County will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of New Hampshire. With its large population and strategic location between Boston and Manchester, it will remain a key county for both parties to win over.In Conclusion
The voting history of Hillsborough County is a reflection of the changing political landscape of New Hampshire.From its early days as a predominantly Republican county to its current status as a swing county, Hillsborough County has played a significant role in shaping the state's politics. As we look towards future elections, it will be interesting to see how the county's diverse population and changing demographics will impact the outcome.
