This article examines how Jimmy Carter, in 1976, became the last Democrat to win Texas in a presidential election. It analyzes the political landscape of the time, highlighting the shift towards Republican dominance in the state, and explores factors contributing to Carter's unique success, including his Southern identity and appeal to Black and Hispanic voters.
4/8/2014 President Jimmy Carter during the Civil Rights Summit held at the LBJ Presidential Library on April 8, 2014.
“But thereafter you see that the state really shifted pretty dramatically toward the Republicans,” Lawrence said. “The one exception was 1976 when Jimmy Carter won by a small margin.” Natasha Altema McNeely, an associate professor of political science at University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, said Carter was also able to win because he garnered the Black and Hispanic votes in states across the South.
“With the candidacy of Ronald Reagan, you have Republicans really emphasizing religious beliefs … smaller government, more effective government … states rights,” McNeely said. “So, at the state level, those types of political strategies, and political concepts are especially appealing to Southern politicians and Southern voters, including here in Texas.”
Jimmy Carter Texas Election 1976 Election Gerald Ford Civil Rights
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