Detroit, Michigan, the birthplace of Motown, is the largest city in Michigan and one of the most populous cities in the United States. But is Detroit a liberal city?
The answer to this question is complicated, as Detroit is both a liberal and a conservative city. The city’s population is diverse, with many different ethnicities, cultures, and political affiliations. It is also home to a large African American population, which makes up about 79% of the city’s population.
Politically, Detroit is often seen as a liberal city. The city is home to many progressive organizations and movements, such as the Coalition for a Better Detroit and Detroiters for Progress. These groups are focused on social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection.
In terms of the city’s politics, the majority of Detroit’s voters are Democrats, and the city has elected Democratic mayors since 1974. In the 2020 Presidential election, Detroit voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden, with 87.6% of voters in the city casting their ballots for the Democratic candidate.
Detroit’s Political Divide
Despite its liberal leanings, Detroit is not a monolithically liberal city. In fact, the city is politically divided, with some neighborhoods leaning more conservative than others. For example, the suburbs of Detroit, such as Livonia and Dearborn, tend to be more conservative than the city’s core. These areas are home to many working-class, white, and conservative voters.
In addition, there is a divide between the African American population and the white population in Detroit. African Americans tend to be more politically progressive than whites, and this divide can be seen in Detroit’s elections. For example, in the 2020 Presidential election, Joe Biden won 95.7% of the African American vote in Detroit, while Donald Trump won just 4.3%.
Economic and Social Issues
In addition to its political divisions, Detroit is also facing many economic and social issues. The city has long struggled with poverty, crime, and unemployment, and these issues have been exacerbated by the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city is also facing racial disparities, with African Americans in Detroit facing higher unemployment and poverty rates than whites. This racial divide is further reflected in the city’s education system, with African American students facing lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates than their white counterparts.
Conclusion
So, is Detroit a liberal city? The answer is both yes and no. While the city is often seen as a liberal stronghold, there are many conservative areas and voters in Detroit. In addition, the city is facing many economic and social issues that have not been addressed by the city’s liberal politicians. As a result, Detroit is a politically divided city with many diverse opinions and perspectives.