12 Most Liberal States in the US (2026)
Go Back To Previous PageAccording to recent data, the most liberal states include Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Hawaii, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Illinois, Rhode Island, Maine, Oregon, and
Washington. These states have higher percentages of voters who identify as Democrats or lean Democratic. This article examines the twelve most liberal states in the United States, emphasizing their political landscape and voter demographics. It analyzes how these states are governed, with particular attention to their legislative and gubernatorial control.
The liberal credentials of each state are supported by voter registration data and recent election outcomes, which together depict the political landscape of the United States, where these states are distinguished by their liberal ideologies.
Key Findings
Massachusetts proudly stands out as the most liberal state in the US, with about 56% of voters identifying as Democrats or leaning Democrat. The state also enjoys a Democratic trifecta, with both houses of the legislature and the governor being Democrats, reflecting a shared vision for the community.
Vermont follows closely as the second most liberal state, with 57% of its voters registered as Democrats or leaning Democrat, making it a true bastion of liberal values.
Meanwhile, New York comes in third, with 51% of voters supporting Democratic or left-leaning candidates. In the 2020 presidential election, President Biden secured a significant victory in New York, winning the state by over 23 percentage points, underscoring the state’s strong Democratic leanings.
1. Massachusetts: the most Most Liberal State in the US
Massachusetts is the most liberal state in the USA. A recent Gallup study shows that about 56% of its voters identify as Democrats or lean Democratic, the highest percentage among all states. This political leaning is reflected in its Democratic trifecta, with the Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor’s office all under Democratic control.
Both legislative chambers hold a Democratic supermajority. Consequently, Massachusetts ranks as the top state in America for voters with more liberal ideologies.
2. Vermont
Vermont is one of the most liberal states in the U.S., though it was a Republican stronghold until the 1960s. Since then, it has shifted largely to the left, with the Democratic Party dominating local politics.
The Republican Party still holds the governor’s office, but Democrats have control over the attorney general, secretary of state, and the state legislature. A Pew Research poll shows that 57% of Vermont residents lean Democrat, 29% lean Republican, and 14% are neutral. In the last presidential election, more than 66% of residents voted for the Democratic candidate.
3. New York
New York is renowned for its strong Democratic presence. Although it lost a vacant State Senate seat to Republicans in 2022, Democrats still hold 42 seats, ensuring liberal control. The Democratic Party also dominates the State Assembly with 102 members as of January 2023. Furthermore, the Governor is a Democrat, securing New York’s status as a Democratic trifecta.
4. Hawaii
Hawaii ranks among the most liberal states in the U.S., with a population of approximately 1.44 million, in which 51% of voters favor liberal policies. Although Hawaii’s House of Representatives lost two seats to Republicans in 2022, it continues to hold a Democratic supermajority.
Similarly, the State Senate lost one seat but remains under Democratic control. With a Democratic governor in office, Hawaii’s trifecta status underscores its position as one of the nation’s most liberal states.
5. New Jersey
New Jersey is among the most liberal states in the U.S., with roughly 9.26 million voters, half of whom identify as liberal-leaning. The state’s General Assembly, Senate, and governorship are all under Democratic control, though all Senate and General Assembly seats will be contested in 2023.
Moreover, the attorney general and secretary of state are also Democrats, making New Jersey a government trifecta and triplex.
6. Connecticut
Connecticut is among the most liberal states in the US. Although it is known for its wealthy communities, it has recently gained popularity among liberals and Democrats. The state has a voting population of approximately 3.63 million, with 50% identifying as or leaning toward the Democratic Party.
Additionally, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the governorships are currently controlled by Democrats.
7. California
Liberal supporters from all over the country have long been drawn to California. The state on the West Coast has approximately 39 million voters, with about 49% identifying as Democrats.
Recent election data indicate that California holds a Democratic supermajority in both the Senate and the State Assembly. With a firmly established Democratic governor, California is one of the West Coast states holding a Democratic trifecta.
8. Illinois
Illinois is a state controlled by the Democratic Party. It has approximately 12.6 million voters, with about 48% supporting Democrats. In the 2022 election, the Illinois General Assembly is fully led by Democrats: the State Senate has 72 Democratic Senators, and the House has 41 Democratic Representatives. The Governor is also a Democrat, giving Illinois a political trifecta.
9. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is among the most liberal states in the US. For over fifty years, Democrats have dominated the local government. Since 2015, the state has had a Democratic governor, and only two Republicans have been elected to the US Senate since 1934.
A Pew Research poll shows that 48% of residents are registered Democrats or lean Democratic, while 26% are registered Republicans. Nearly 60% of residents voted for Joe Biden in the most recent presidential election.
10. Maine
Maine is among the most liberal states in the US. This coastal state has around 1.4 million voters, with 47% identifying as Democrats. Both the State Senate and House of Representatives are controlled by Democrats, and the Governor’s seat is currently held by the Democratic Party.
Overall, Maine stands out as one of the most strongly liberal states in the country.
11. Oregon
Oregon is the most liberal state in the Pacific Northwest and a popular choice for Democratic supporters on the West Coast. With approximately 4.24 million residents, 47% identify as Democratic voters. The state’s governing bodies are all controlled by liberals, although the House and Senate splits are somewhat narrower than in other states on this list.
12. Washington
Washington is the most liberal state on America’s west coast, with approximately 7.8 million residents, around 44% of whom identify as liberal voters. The Democratic Party controls the State Senate with 9 more seats than the Republicans.
Democrats also lead the state’s House, with 58 Representatives, and the Governor is a Democrat, completing Washington’s liberal trifecta.
Most Liberal States Takeaways
In conclusion, these 12 states are the most prominent liberal strongholds in the United States. Their political preferences are clearly evident in the high proportion of voters who identify with or lean towards the Democratic Party. This political alignment impacts both local and national policy decisions, demonstrating how the voting tendencies of residents influence governance and legislation.
Understanding the political landscape of these states reveals why certain policies—such as those on healthcare, education, or environmental issues—are shaped the way they are. The liberal majorities in these states play a vital role in determining their responses to national challenges.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
