Athens, Georgia is a city of contrasts. It is known as a liberal enclave, home to the University of Georgia and its diverse student population, but there are also conservative pockets of the city. To answer the question, “Is Athens Georgia a conservative city?”, it depends on who you ask.
Athens Georgia Politics
Athens has long been a Democratic stronghold, with registered Democrats outnumbering registered Republicans by a 3-to-1 margin. In the 2016 presidential election, Athens voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton, with Clinton receiving 80.5% of the vote compared to Donald Trump’s 16.4%. This is in line with the rest of Georgia, which voted in favor of Trump by a 51.3% to 45.6% margin.
At the state level, Athens is represented by Democrats in both the Georgia House and Senate. In the 2017 municipal election, all six Athens-Clarke County Commission seats were won by Democrats. In the 2018 midterms, the congressional district that includes Athens voted for a Democratic candidate by a 59.7% to 40.3% margin.
Athens Georgia Culture
Athens is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, with venues like the Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt Club hosting up-and-coming acts from around the country. The city is also home to a large number of independent businesses, many of which cater to the city’s young and progressive population.
Athens is also home to a large LGBT community, with a Pride parade and other events taking place every year. The city has also seen a surge in support for progressive causes in recent years, with large protests taking place in 2017 in response to the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Conservative Elements in Athens
Despite its progressive leanings, Athens does have some conservative elements. Many of the city’s churches are conservative, with some preaching against homosexuality and other progressive causes. The University of Georgia is also a major employer in the city, and while it is a diverse institution, it does have some conservative professors and students.
Athens is also home to a large population of military veterans, many of whom are conservative in their political views. Finally, there is a small but vocal population of Tea Party supporters in the city, who often show up to local government meetings to voice their opinions.
Conclusion
Athens, Georgia is a city of contrasts, and it is difficult to answer the question, “Is Athens Georgia a conservative city?” definitively. On the one hand, the city has long been a Democratic stronghold and is home to a vibrant arts and music scene. On the other hand, there are pockets of conservatism in the city, including churches, military veterans, and Tea Party supporters. Ultimately, it depends on who you ask.