Realignment of Voter Education and Political Affiliations

The 2016 election revealed a significant realignment of American voters based on educational attainment, with non-college-educated white voters leaning towards the Republican Party while college-educated voters shifted towards the Democrats. This transformation has entrenched various voting patterns, where Democrats struggle to regain the support of working-class voters who previously aligned with them. Historical battlegrounds like Harris County in Texas have become less competitive for Republicans, indicating this shift is part of a broader, lasting change in political dynamics. As detailed in 'Polarized by Degrees,' these patterns suggest that educational divides are becoming a central factor in American political affiliations.