(Jacob Bruns, Headline USA) For the first time since the Civil War, Republican voter registration totals have topped registered Democrats in the state of Kentucky, Townhall reported.
BREAKING NEWS: For the first time since the Civil War, registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats in Kentucky! Congrats! @KYGOP #WeDidIt pic.twitter.com/3gnJWmOIW6
— Ryan Quarles (@RyanQuarlesKY) July 15, 2022
“After a century and a half, the birthplace of Lincoln has finally aligned with the party of Lincoln,” Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams said, celebrating the good news.
As of 40 years ago, the state was dominated by the remnants of the old Southern Democrats, who have been cast aside by progressives in the party. At that time 68% of voters were registered Democrats to a mere 28% registered as Republicans.
And though the state has long been more balanced, especially in federal elections, the numbers are just now starting to reflect the new trend.
According to the Kentucky State Board of Elections, 1,612,060 voters are now registered as Republicans and 1,609,569 as Democrats.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell—the most powerful Republican in the state and, currently, in the country—celebrated the party’s achievement in his home state.
“Today is a day I never thought would happen,” McConnell said.
“After decades of hard work and grassroots efforts across the Commonwealth, registered Republicans now outnumber registered Democrats in Kentucky. Congratulations to all my fellow Republicans who have worked so hard and so long to make this historic day possible. This is great news for the Commonwealth but it’s just the beginning.”
McConnell’s fellow Republican senator from the state, Rand Paul, suggested that the people of Kentucky are beginning to realize that one party supports their values, while the other opposes them.
“We are living a historic moment in the commonwealth,” said Paul, who is up for election once more in his home state. “The majority of people in Kentucky realize that their beliefs are best represented by the Republican Party.”
