What Are Purple States?

Purple states, also known as battleground or swing states, are U.S. states where the number of Republican (red) and Democratic (blue) voters is nearly equal. This balance creates a competitive political environment during elections.

Origin of the Term

The term "purple state" comes from mixing blue (Democrats) and red (Republicans) voters, similar to blending blue and red crayons to create purple. These states are key targets in elections because their outcomes often decide the overall winner.

Color Assignments in U.S. Politics

Assigning red to Republicans and blue to Democrats is a relatively recent practice from the 21st century. Historically, colors were different in political maps.

"In 1883 Scribner’s Statistical Atlas of the United States published maps showing voting patterns from previous elections. The Democratic South was shown in red, and the Republican strongholds in the Northeast and upper Midwest were blue."

Before color became a political identifier, regions without voting data were shown in white. Newspapers mostly printed in black and white until the 1980s, and The New York Times did not introduce color on its front page until 1997.

Summary

Purple states are pivotal in U.S. elections due to their near-equal support for both major parties, with the color coding of political parties evolving only in recent decades.

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Britannica — 2025-11-06