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:2024-12-24 00:43:50
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! (794)
Related
- Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
- Selfless by Hyram: Why Women Everywhere Love This Influencer's Skincare Line
- Apple event: What to know about its Vision Pro virtual reality headset release
- N. Richard Werthamer
- A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS funding
- Through community-based care, doula SeQuoia Kemp advocates for radical change
- With Pipeline Stopped, Fight Ramps Up Against ‘Keystone of the Great Lakes’
- Olympic Medalist Tori Bowie Dead at 32
- Hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field can be fixed for about $55M in time for 2026 season, per report
- Rihanna's Makeup Artist Reveals the Most Useful Hack to Keep Red Lipstick From Smearing
Ranking
- John Krasinski is People's Sexiest Man Alive. What that says about us.
- How Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Celebrated Their 27th Anniversary
- Moderna sues Pfizer over COVID-19 vaccine patents
- How Georgia reduced heat-related high school football deaths
- Oklahoma school district adding anti-harassment policies after nonbinary teen’s death
- Long COVID and the labor market
- Shop the Best Silicone-Free Conditioners for All Hair Types & Budgets
- Global Coal Consumption Likely Has Peaked, Report Says
Recommendation
-
'America's flagship' SS United States has departure from Philadelphia to Florida delayed
-
Scotland becomes the first country to offer tampons and pads for free, officials say
-
A Coal-Mining Environmentalist? Virginia Executive Says He Can Be Both
-
The VA says it will provide abortions in some cases even in states where it's banned
-
Louisiana man kills himself and his 1-year-old daughter after a pursuit
-
Over-the-counter hearing aids will bring relief, but with some confusion
-
Michigan's abortion ban is blocked for now
-
Health firm wrongly told hundreds of people they might have cancer