Alabama GOP sees significant gains with minority voters in 2024 election
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In addition to picking up 40 seats across the state, the Alabama Republican Party continued to see increased support from minority voters – highlighted by significant gains – during the 2024 general election.
These gains were particularly noteworthy in rural areas, where the GOP flipped three seats in districts with African American populations exceeding 50%.
Historically, African American support for Republican candidates in Alabama has ranged between 6% and 9% since the mid-1990s. However, recent election cycles have shown a steady upward trend.
In 2020 and 2022, ALGOP polling indicated African American support for Republicans had increased to between 10% and 14%, depending on the candidate. This momentum continued in 2024, with polling data showing that more than 18% of African American voters statewide supported Donald Trump for president.
Among Hispanic voters, the shift toward the Republican Party has been even more pronounced. While past elections showed Hispanic support for Republicans hovering between 25% and 35%, ALGOP polling revealed a significant shift driven by shared values such as protecting children from radical agendas and prioritizing family values.
In the 2024 general election, just over 50% of Hispanic voters in Alabama chose Donald Trump, marking a dramatic change in voting patterns within this community, and the first time party polling has shown a Republican candidate receiving a majority of Hispanic votes in a state election.
The Alabama Republican Party has worked diligently to build relationships with minority communities, particularly in areas where Republican values resonate deeply. This effort has translated into historic wins for the GOP in down-ballot races, with key victories in heavily minority districts in Autauga, Barbour, Butler, Conecuh, Escambia, Fayette, Hale, Henry, Monroe, and Washington counties. Notable successes included flipping majority minority seats for:
- Hale County probate judge (59% African American population)
- Butler County Board of Education, District 2 (56% African American population)
- Escambia County Board of Education, Place 2 (54% African American population)
Alabama GOP Chair John Wahl attributed several factors to the historic success of the Republican Party this election year.
“I believe there were three key factors in our victories this cycle,” said Wahl. “First, we ran a very strong voter registration drive in our key districts across the state of Alabama. We also saw a lot of independents swing towards the Republican Party this cycle, after a very aggressive direct mail and advertising campaign. And the final factor that played a huge role in these victories was our outreach to minorities voters across the state. They made the difference in many of these swing districts.”
The ALGOP has identified key issues like economic growth, religious freedom, family values, and protecting children from radical agendas as central to its growing support among African American and Hispanic voters. As these communities increasingly distance themselves from the agenda of the national Democratic Party, the Alabama Republican Party remains committed to standing with them on the values that matter most.
“These victories are more than just political wins,” Wahl added. “They represent a shift in the political landscape of Alabama and the power of shared values. A lot of times minorities feel neglected by the political system. I want them to know that they are welcome with the Republican Party, and that they have a home here. We are the party that believes in defending our rights and freedoms, and standing up for family values and religious liberty. We have so much in common with both the Hispanic and the Black community, and I am proud to see us coming together.”
With this momentum, the Alabama Republican Party is poised to continue its outreach efforts and build on its successes as a growing number of minority voters align with Republican policies and principles.