What it’s like to be a Democrat in the South
‘It’s like a salmon swimming upstream. It is difficult, but you are in good company’
It’s no secret that the South is usually a cluster of safely red states.
Although Southern urban centers like Nashville and Charlotte are becoming increasingly progressive, Southern Democrats despair in the fact that their local representation is lacking, their ideals are often dismissed by their neighbors, and they may not even feel safe in expressing their political views.
For example, voters in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district will choose between Republican Marsha Blackburn (who had no Democratic challenger in 2012 and is one of the most conservative members of Congress), Independent Lenny Ladner (who owns a really cool truck and doesn’t want to give more power to those government clowns), and Democrat Tharon Chandler (who is 48, a Man, and looking for a Woman with which to ‘Procreate’ or make or have children).
Now THAT’S a pick-up line.
But there are some glimmers of hope for a blue voter in a red state – the thoughtful and hard-working Democrats that facepalm in solidarity at the madness that is Southern politics.
What does it mean to be a Democrat in the South?
Anna Eskamani, Florida, 26, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Field Operations at Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida
When I first registered to vote I had no party affiliation – it wasn’t until 2010 that I decided to update my voter information and identify as a Democrat.
Being a Democrat in the South means voting is only one way to have an impact and if we are intentional about meaningful change we need to do so much more. We have a strong movement family in Florida – people who are committed to building power collectively for all Floridians. Diversity is our strength.
Page Forrest, Tennessee, 21, senior, Political Science at Sewanee: The University of the South
I’m really lucky to live in Nashville, which is definitely a blue hub in a red state. Part of the reason I want to stay in the South after college is because I feel like nothing about the South will change if every young Democrat just up and leaves as soon as they can.
At the same time, I recognize that staying and feeling comfortable there isn’t an option for everyone, especially people of color and non-straight people, so as a straight, white Democrat, I feel like I personally have a responsibility to stay and try to make a change.
Marisa Durham, 22, research assistant![]()
I’m from Dallas so we’re a nice little blue county in a sea of red, but it really is frustrating watching all of these great leaders (Wendy Davis, Annise Parker, even the Castro Brother) get stuck and never really being able to go further in their careers and make a splash on the national scene.
I’m stuck with Ted Cruz and John Cornyn until they die and then are replaced by equally despicable human beings.
Jenna Kingsley, Florida, 22, PR Agency
I wouldn’t usually classify Florida as “the South,” but based on the number of Trump bumper stickers, pickup trucks, and confederate flags I saw this summer in my hometown of Palm City, Florida, I’d say it’s close enough. Being a Democrat in the South is challenging and incredibly frustrating, but it has taught me a genuinely helpful skill – knowing how to choose your battles.
For instance, some battles take time, but they’re worth it. Other battles, though, really aren’t worth the time or the energy. I’ve realized the best course of action for these types of people are the 3 G’s: Grimace, Give the phrase “I don’t agree with you, but we’re all entitled to our opinions,” and GTFO.
Heather McKinney, Tennessee, 30, recruiter
Being a Democrat in the South is like a salmon swimming upstream. It is difficult, but you are in good company.
Lora Kling, 65, wife and mother
My life has been pretty much hell here. I discovered a massive fraud that had been in progress for over 20 years, involved hundreds of houses, thousands of victims, and millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains. As a result of my grass-roots organizing of victims of the fraud, and working with the Public Corruption Task Force of the DOJ, confidential information was leaked and I was sued in a federal civil action for $50 million by over 20 people who were involved in the fraud.
I was harassed, stalked, threatened with bodily harm, home and car vandalized, my attorneys compromised, and several people died violent or suspicious deaths. I lived in abject terror every day and night for 10 years. I successfully defended myself against the $50 million action against me, but it was a Pyrrhic victory. The other side was stunned. I still live here. I am white and a Democrat in Georgia.
Kash Ashley, Georgia, 35, full-time student and parent
It’s knowing that your elected representative rarely represents you, with some local non-partisan offices being the exception. It’s also an automatic connection and community with the other Democrats around you, though.
Thomas Spitzer-Hanks, 34, educator
For this privileged white male being a Democrat in the South is deciding whether to act like Atticus or Boo Radley, and working hard as hell everyday to remember the privilege that gives me any choice at all.
Teri Kleine, Texas, 49, homeschool mom
I lived in Texas for 26 years- moved less than a year ago. Being a Dem in the South means you have to vote strategically. I think the only times I voted in the Dem primary were presidential election years because that was usually the only time there would actually be two Dems running against each other.
Otherwise, I voted in GOP primary because that was basically the general election. Also, where I lived, you didn’t dare tell anyone you were a Dem. It was like a secret society- people would quietly tell you who was “safe” (and that is the actual word we used).
D’Ann Bishop Jonte, Texas, 40, chef
I live in a more liberal city (Houston) but every suburb is very conservative. It’s defeating. But it makes me so aware of how important presidential elections are because of the Supreme Court. It’s the only protection I feel like I have in this state.
Being a Southern Democrat comes with its own set of strange rules to avoid awkward (or even upsetting) encounters with more conservative neighbors. However, after dealing with the dominant conservative conversation, they develop skills for political dialogue, an understanding for those they disagree with, and a close bond with fellow Democrats that they wouldn’t have otherwise. Hopefully, the presence of Democrats in the South will allow for a more balanced dialogue among conservatives and liberals in the red states.
Until then, they’re just looking for a politician that doesn’t want to ‘Procreate’ or make or have children with them.