Ocean County A Historically Republican Dominated Community
Going as far back as 1888, Ocean County has historically been a Republican dominated county, despite the ebb and flow at the state level between both parties.
Only two Democrat candidates for President of the United States have ever won the majority of votes in the county. In 1996, Bill Clinton defeated George Bush, Sr. and in 1964 Lyndon Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater.
In four of the last 5 elections, Ocean County voters rejected the New Jersey election winners.
In 2008, John McCain defeated Barack Obama, Obama won at the state level.
In 2004 George W. Bush defeated John Kerry, Kerry won at the state level.
In 2000, George W. Bush defeated Al Gore, Gore won at the state level.
In 1992, George Bush Sr. defeated Bill Clinton.
From 1968 through 1988, New Jersey voters agreed with Ocean County voters, electing Richard M. Nixon in two elections. In 1976, New Jersey and Ocean County voted for Gerald Ford, but Ford lost to Jimmy Carter.
From 1980 through 1988, Ocean County, New Jersey and America all agreed and voted for Ronald Reagan to two terms and George Bush Sr. to his first term.
The only other non-Republican to ever win a presidential election in Ocean County was Theodore Roosevelt, who ran on the “Progressive” ticket in 1912. Roosevelt lost to Woodrow Wilson that year.
Voting records were kept in Ocean County dating back to 1888 when the county helped elect Republican president Benjamin Harrison.
Source: Ocean County Clerk;Political Graveyard;