In the heart of Texas sprawl Lewisville and Flower Mound stand as contrasting examples of the states changing electoral landscape. These neighboring cities (located roughly 23 miles north of Dallas) showcase the evolving dynamics of voter demographics and political strategies in the Lone Star State.
Lewisville a diverse city with a median age of 36‚ mirrors Texas overall demographics. About 60% of its residents are non-white and voter turnout in the previous presidential election was around 66%. In contrast Flower Mound‚ presents a different picture: its wealthier‚ predominantly white and boasts a higher voter turnout of 78%.
This disparity between potential and actual voters has been a key factor in American politics for the past two decades. Traditionally it was thought that increasing voter turnout would benefit Democrats due to higher participation from minority groups. However the upcoming presidential election is challenging this assumption.
Republicans are now focusing on reaching infrequent conservative-leaning voters including younger Latino and African-American individuals. Meanwhile Democrats are targeting college-educated voters alongside their traditional base.
These shifting strategies are visible in both cities. In Lewisville Brandon Taylor a non-voter due to criminal convictions is encouraging his girlfriend to support Trump. Conversely in Flower Mound Martha McKenzie a retired Naval officer has left the Republican party over Trump.
Texas political landscape has been dominated by Republicans for decades – theyʼve controlled the Legislature for over 20 years and won every statewide race since 94. To maintain power‚ the GOP has implemented strict voting laws and gerrymandering practices.
However recent experiences suggest untapped voter potential for both parties. In the 18 Senate race between Beto OʼRourke and Ted Cruz‚ new voters were evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. As Jim Henson a political scientist at the University of Texas notes: “There are untapped voters for both parties“