Political expert believes Duval County will stay blue

Jacksonville has not voted for a Democratic Presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter in 1976, so Tuesday’s results came as a surprise.

Action News Jax political science expert Michael Pomante he believes Duval County will continue a Democratic trend in future presidential elections.

“The fact that the county flipped was probably the most surprising aspect and I think a lot of that has to do with the influx of population into the city.” Pomante said.

Pomante credits Duval County seeing an influx in population of younger people who are liberal voters.

Voters did not vote Democratic down the ballot. For example, Republican Congressman John Rutherford won reelection against Donna Deegan, but Pomante says that is not a surprise or indication on how people will vote for president.

“So even though people feel they need to change the president, they don’t feel that way about their House representatives.” Pomante said.

Cox Media Group