Current:Home > NewsDemocrats are becoming a force in traditionally conservative The Villages-LoTradeCoin
Democrats are becoming a force in traditionally conservative The Villages
View Date:2024-12-23 16:05:37
THE VILLAGES, Fla. (AP) — The Villages, one of the world’s largest retirement communities, has long been known as a conservative stronghold. In the past, left-leaning residents of the central Florida enclave tended to keep their views to themselves, fearing they might be kicked out of their golf group, excluded from the mahjong club, or disinvited from a neighborhood pool party.
But Vice President Kamala Harris’ emergence as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate has given the small, but enthusiastic group a boost of confidence and a push into the light.
“They are beginning to realize that they have a voice and they can use it,” said Diane Foley, president of the Villages Democratic Club, which has seen its membership nearly double since the 2020 election cycle, to around 1,500 people.
Prior to that time, she noted, “Democrats have been inclined to be quiet and to not broadcast their political preferences because we were so overwhelmed by the Republican party.”
Parades of golf carts decorated in support of Harris have rolled through the streets, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff recently paid a visit. Meanwhile, Democrats opting to wear a T-shirt or put up a lawn sign in favor of Harris have had neighbors approach them with relief, saying, “We thought we were the only ones.”
Still, most say they choose not to talk politics openly, to avoid tension in Wildwood-The Villages, the official name of this census-designated, master-planned metro area of more than 151,000 people.
“You want to get along with your neighbors. They’re nice people. So we just don’t talk about it,” says Foley.
Retired lawyer Howard Underwood, 71, and his wife, Janet, 74, were Republicans for four decades until Donald Trump became the candidate in 2016.
“We’ve made common cause with the Democrats, even though I don’t share a whole lot of Kamala’s ideas on things,” says Underwood, who is now not affiliated with either major party but has volunteered with the Democrats club to support Harris.
Underwood won’t go so far as to put a bumper sticker on his car for fear of blowback, but he acknowledges that the political atmosphere is changing, however slightly.
“Democrats in The Villages has kind of become a thing,” he said with a laugh.
Most of our best friends are conservative. We know they are red, and they know we are blue, and we all just don’t talk about it.”- Glen Smith
We’re all here for one reason, we’re retired. We’re relaxing… trying to.”- Dave Farraday
We’ve made common cause with the Democrats even though I don’t share a whole lot of Kamala’s ideas on things... The alternative is unthinkable.”- Howard Underwood
When we moved here, we were more concerned about being Democrat than being Jewish,”- Shelly Newman
Don’t whisper. Democrats can be loud and proud too.”- Shelly Newman
There was no effort until Harris came on... It was general depression. No one wanted to get involved.”- Villages Democratic Club president Diane Foley
We have gotten death threats about who we are going to vote for,”- Independent voter Patricia Coe
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Darren Criss on why playing a robot in 'Maybe Happy Ending' makes him want to cry
- Mom of slain deputy devastated DA isn't pursuing death penalty: 'How dare you'
- New bill seeks to pressure police nationwide to take inventory of untested rape kits or lose funding
- Her son died, and she felt alone. In her grief, she found YouTube.
- Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son
- Video appears to show American solider who crossed into North Korea arriving back in the US
- Heinz announces new product after Taylor Swift condiment choice goes viral at Chiefs game
- 200 people have died from gun violence in DC this year: Police
- Mississippi Valley State football player Ryan Quinney dies in car accident
- Kia, Hyundai recall over 3.3 million vehicles for potential fire-related issues
Ranking
- Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
- In Yemen, 5 fighters from secessionist force killed in clashes with suspected al-Qaida militants
- Ringo Starr on ‘Rewind Forward,’ writing country music, the AI-assisted final Beatles track and more
- How long has it been since the Minnesota Twins won a playoff game?
- How to protect your Social Security number from the Dark Web
- House Speaker McCarthy is back to square one as the Senate pushes ahead to avert a federal shutdown
- Ringo Starr on ‘Rewind Forward,’ writing country music, the AI-assisted final Beatles track and more
- Wildfires can make your California red taste like an ashtray. These scientists want to stop that
Recommendation
-
4 arrested in California car insurance scam: 'Clearly a human in a bear suit'
-
US guitarist Al Di Meola suffers a heart attack in Romania but is now in a stable condition
-
Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker fired for inappropriate behavior
-
Gun control among new laws taking effect in Maryland
-
The Best Gifts for People Who Don’t Want Anything
-
Colleges should step up their diversity efforts after affirmative action ruling, the government says
-
Why this week’s mass exodus from embattled Nagorno-Karabakh reflects decades of animosity
-
Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean Celebrates 2 Years of Sobriety After “One Hell of a Journey”