Cincinnati

Abstract

Cincinnati has long had a reputation as a conservative community and a Republican stronghold. The party’s success in local, state, and federal elections supports this impression. Since 1931, the metropolitan area has been divided into two congressional districts. A north-south line roughly splits community and suburbs along economic lines. On the east side of the divide, Congressional District 1, changed to District 2 in 1977, contains African-American, middle-class areas of the community, as well as middle-class and affluent suburbs east and northeast of the city center. From 1931 to 1992, except for two terms (1937–1938 and 1965–1966), the district elected only Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives. On the west side of the divide, District 2, changed to District 1 in 1977, includes African-American and working-class (Over-the-Rhine) districts, lower-middle and middle-class areas, and suburbs west and northwest of the city center. From 1931 to 1964, except for two congressional terms, this district also was Republican; but from 1965 to 1992, except for three terms, the district has voted Democratic.