Two Sides of the Same River
Ashley Wang and Ramkumar Sridhar | Nov. 5, 2024 | Features
As the 2024 United States presidential election unfolds, American citizens stand between the tensions of the Democratic and Republican party, which have also stressed local relations. Jacksonville’s political landscape remains unpredictable as distrust among politicians and citizens continues to build. This sentiment often trickles down into classrooms, leaving young people, like those at Stanton College Preparatory School, to grapple with uncertainties. The tension in the political atmosphere has seeped into everyday interactions, where individuals are exposed to opposing views of the broader community.
“Tension and political overlay are everywhere you go. People engage in normal day to day discourse, [but when] somebody mentions politics, everybody’s got an opinion,” said Republican Rep. Dean Black of the Florida House of Representatives. “They are quick to bring it up [but] also quick to try to ignore it because open discussions [can become] contentious.”
Jacksonville's political body is notably mixed, making it a battleground for both major parties. The city’s diverse population of various cultures and political leanings creates a competitive environment where local elections can swing either way. As of Oct. 9, 2024, nearly 36.32% of Duval County residents identify as Republican, and 38.22% of them identify as Democrats, with the reaming population consisting of minor parties, independents, and those with no party affiliations.
As for the governmental body, the current Jacksonville constitutional officers—including the governor, the lieutenant governor, the attorney general, and the chief financial officer—are mostly Republican. Of the eight constitutional officers, only two are Democrats. The Democratic Party still maintains a dominant influence in Jacksonville despite a large Republican population, as seen when residents elected Democratic Mayor Donna Deegan in 2023.
Florida is considered a swing state and the diverse opinions within it have caused heated arguments among its residents. After President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election and Vice President Kamala Harris’ rise as the Democratic Party nominee, civil tensions between the two parties have increased. Citizens worry the growing divide could lead to further unrest and discontent.
“I [believe we are] all resolved to ensure we [settle] our differences feasibly,” said Black. “On the day after the election, there will be hundreds of thousands of very disappointed, unhappy people in Jacksonville, and hundreds of millions across America.”
Both parties have created a polarized and unwelcoming environment by spreading negative stereotypes about each other. According to a 2022 Pew Research survey, the percentage of Republicans who viewed Democrats as the least moral political party rose from 47% in 2016 to 55% in 2019. For Democrats, this view of Republicans increased from 35% to 47%. Today, 72% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats see members of the opposing party as less moral. Consequently, the hostility between the parties has increased. In this polarized environment, some students and residents feel uncomfortable expressing their political views, choosing instead to conserve their thoughts.
“I do not feel like I am allowed to say any political statements on campus,” said junior Carol Chen. “I feel like [political opinions] are inappropriate and I might be treated differently because of my views.”
Every resident, despite their backgrounds and ideologies, can remain open-minded and challenge their own beliefs. This ensures everyone becomes more thoughtful in discussions, even with those they disagree with, especially in schools. However, some Stanton students remain indifferent to political ideologies, either because they feel they are not old enough to be affected, or political conflicts seem too stressful.
“Currently, I [do not] feel there is a whole lot of tension in Jacksonville, but I do think this city could be a big influence on which party gets Florida,” said junior Arnav Kakaveti.
Kakaveti expressed acknowledgment of Jacksonville's potential role in shaping the broader electoral outcome. Other Jacksonville residents hold similar sentiments as Kakeveti regarding the current political state of the city.
“So far in Jacksonville leading up to the election, I haven’t felt a large amount of tension," said Mangala Gowri, a Jacksonville resident. "But over the time leading up to election day, there could be a big change in that aspect. It will be interesting to see the political events occurring around election day.”
The unique political dynamic in Jacksonville, along with broader economic and social issues, has left many students worried about their future under the current government. Nonetheless, students are reminded that their voices, beliefs, and actions hold the power to shape the future. Whether through speech or silence, everyone contributes to the larger narrative of democracy.