Clallam County, known for its breathtaking scenery and strong community spirit, has established itself as an important bellwether in U.S. presidential elections.
Of the 3,142 counties in the U.S., Clallam County stands out for consistently backing the winning presidential candidate in every election since 1980, spanning an impressive 11 consecutive victories.
The county’s record of picking winners extends further back than the past four decades. In 24 of the last 26 elections and 29 out of the last 33, Clallam voters have chosen the eventual president. Since 1896, Clallam County has selected the winner 29 times, favoring Republican candidates in 20 elections and Democrats in 13.
The only exceptions came in 1976, when the county supported Republican Gerald Ford as Jimmy Carter won the presidency, and in 1968, when Clallam sided with Democrat Hubert Humphrey over the victorious Richard Nixon.
Despite these rare misses, Clallam County’s consistent record is notable. In 2020, the county stood apart from other traditional bellwether regions. Out of 19 bellwether counties before that election, 18 supported Donald Trump. Only Clallam County voted for President Joe Biden, preserving its remarkable streak.
The county’s success in predicting presidential outcomes has attracted attention. Mark Abshire, Director of the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, credits the independent mindset of the community, shaped by its unique geography and lifestyle. “People come here on purpose,” he noted. “We’re surrounded by mountains and the ocean, which fosters independent thinking. People here make their own decisions on candidates rather than following strict party lines.”
Beth Pratt, Executive Director of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce, described Clallam as “a special place where we live on purpose.” Its stunning environment, featuring lush forests and coastal views, draws visitors to towns like Forks, Port Angeles, and Sequim.
Abshire added, “We really do have a mix—Trump signs in one yard, a Harris sign in the neighbor’s—and we all respect each other’s opinions.”
Clallam County’s political diversity, characterized by smooth shifts between supporting Republican and Democratic candidates, mirrors national trends. While its population is predominantly white and older, it has a mix of viewpoints, including retirees in Sequim, loggers and fishers in the west, and tourism-focused residents in Port Angeles. The county also includes an active Native American community and a growing Hispanic and Latino population.
Abshire remarked on the county’s track record, saying, “It’s incredible. We just know how to pick a winner here in Clallam County, and I’m really hoping we do the same again next week.” Pratt added, “I think it’s the diversity of the county that continues to represent the demographics of America on a small scale.”
With the upcoming election approaching, Clallam County’s tradition of aligning with national results is a source of both pride and intrigue. The community expects split ballots, underscoring the independent nature of its voters. Above all, Clallam values community and mutual respect, regardless of political leanings.
2020: (D) Joe Biden
2016: (R) Donald Trump
2012: (D) Barack Obama
2008: (D) Barack Obama
2004: (R) George W. Bush
2000: (R) George W. Bush
1996: (D) Bill Clinton
1992: (D) Bill Clinton
1988: (R) George H.W. Bush
1984: (R) Ronald Reagan
1980: (R) Ronald Reagan
*1976: (R) Gerald Ford (Jimmy Carter)
1972: (R) Richard Nixon
*1968: (D) Hubert Humphrey (Richard Nixon)
1964: (D) Lyndon Johnson
1960: (D) John F. Kennedy
1956: (R) Dwight Eisenhower
1952: (R) Dwight Eisenhower
1948: (D) Harry Truman
1944: (D) Franklin Roosevelt
1940: (D) Franklin Roosevelt
1936: (D) Franklin Roosevelt
1932: (D) Franklin Roosevelt
1928: (R) Herbert Hoover
1924: (R) Calvin Coolidge
1920: (R) Warren Harding
*1916: (R) Charles Hughes (Woodrow Wilson)
*1912: (R) William Taft (Woodrow Wilson)
1908: (R) William Taft
1904: (R) Theodore Roosevelt
1900: (R) William McKinley
1896: (R) William McKinley
*1892: (R) Benjamin Harrison (Grover Cleveland)
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