This edited volume, written by the leading experts in their particular states, focuses on the historic 2020 presidential election in the South. The region has played a critical role in determining the occupant of the White House for the last 50 years, and the South once again was pivotal in the 2020 contest between Trump and Biden.

The 2020 Presidential Election in the South details how the 2020 presidential election developed in the twelve states of the South. This edited volume features preeminent scholars of Southern politics who analyze the momentous Election of 2020. In addition to chapters organized by state, this volume also focuses upon the issues that drove southern voters, the nominations process in early 2020, as well as a chapter focusing on where the region may be headed politically in the next decade. In addition, each state chapter includes analysis on notable congressional races and important patterns at the state level. The authors also provide keen insight into the ever-changing political patterns in the region. Since the South continues to evolve in terms of politics and demographic shifts, this book will be an important tool for academics. However, the book will also enlighten journalists and political enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary changes in Southern electoral politics.

Part I: The Setting and Nominating Process

Chapter 1: The 2020 Southern Electorate: Demographics, Issues, and (In)Distinctiveness by Patrick R. Miller

Chapter 2: The 2020 Presidential Nomination Process by Aaron A. Hitefield and M.V. Hood III

Part II: Elections in the Deep South

Chapter 3: Alabama: Politics of Personality in the Heart of Dixie by Shannon L. Bridgmon

Chapter 4: Georgia: Breakthrough to Blue by Charles S. Bullock, III

Chapter 5: Louisiana: Trump Support in This Swamp Runs Deep by Robert E. Hogan and Anna R. Elinkowski

Chapter 6: Mississippi: Republican Hegemony Persists by Stephen D. Shaffer

Chapter 7: South Carolina: Redder than Red for Now by Branwell DuBose Kapeluck and Scott E. Buchanan

Part III: Elections in the Rim South

Chapter 8: Arkansas: Once More with Feeling for Trump by Jay Barth and Janine A. Parry

Chapter 9: Florida: Kingmaker No More? by Jonathan Knuckey and Aubrey Jewett

Chapter 10: Kentucky 2020: Bluegrass, Red State by Joel Turner, Scott Lasley, and Jeffrey P. Kash

Chapter 11: North Carolina: Even More Deeply Divided in 2020 by J. Michael Bitzer

Chapter 12: Tennessee: Trump Territory, Again by Vaughn May

Chapter 13: Texas: Texas: Partisan Changes Finally Afoot by Seth C. McKee

Chapter 14: Virginia: Trump Accelerates the Bluing of the Commonwealth by John J. McGlennon

Chapter 15: Five Southern States That Could Change American Politics by H. Gibbs Knotts