In recent years, a significant migration trend has emerged across the United States, with many Americans relocating from high-tax, heavily regulated blue states to low-tax, less regulated red states. Hedge fund manager Ray Dalio has even suggested that this migration might be a form of civil war, not through violence, but through a geographical split based on differing political and economic values.
Tom Raabe, a reporter for the Blaze, thinks the reasons behind this exodus are clear. States like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee—favored destinations for these movers—offer lower taxes, fewer regulations, and more job opportunities compared to states like California, New York, and Illinois. These blue states are known for high energy costs, stringent regulations, and challenging business climates. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as strict lockdown measures and prolonged restrictions in blue states led to substantial population losses. Meanwhile, red states with more relaxed approaches saw significant gains.
Census data from July 2022 to July 2023 confirms this shift. States such as South Carolina, Florida, and Texas experienced rapid growth, while high-tax states like California and New York faced major declines. The pandemic’s impact on these states’ economies and job markets also played a role, with states that imposed severe restrictions struggling to recover.
Education and policy differences further underscore this divide. Red states are pushing back against critical race theory and diversity mandates, while blue states continue to embrace these concepts. Additionally, the divide is stark in areas like transgender sports participation and gender-affirming care, with policies often reflecting the political leanings of the state.
Ultimately, the migration trend reflects a broader “Big Sort,” Raabe says, where Americans are aligning themselves geographically with states that match their political and economic preferences, signaling a deepening divide in the nation’s fabric.
This post originally appeared at https://www.phyllisschlafly.com/liberalism-and-conservatism/americans-are-sick-of-blue-states/
Phyllis Schlafly