Luzerne County, situated in Pennsylvania’s northeast corner, has joined numerous other regions across the United States in a notable shift to the political right in the current election cycle.
To gain insights into the factors fueling these political transformations, we dedicated two weeks to exploring Luzerne County before and after the recent elections.
On the Sunday before the election, the Pennsylvania chapter of Bikers for Trump orchestrated an impressive gathering of 100 motorcycles within Luzerne County for a rally.
Their route was symbolic, as they planned to ride from the outskirts of Wilkes-Barre all the way to Scranton, the birthplace of President Biden, located in the adjacent Lackawanna County.
Once characterized as coal country, this area has undergone a dramatic economic transformation, currently dominated by massive warehouses housing major retailers such as Amazon, T.J. Maxx, and Chewy, a pet supplies company.
The political landscape in Luzerne County has also seen a significant shift.
For two decades, voters in this region consistently leaned toward the Democratic Party; however, Donald Trump claimed victory here in both the 2016 and 2020 elections by decisive margins that signaled a changing tide.
Dwayne McDavitt, a retired prison guard and prominent member of Bikers for Trump, stands as a visible supporter of the former president in the community.
Before heading to the Scranton rally, McDavitt expressed his disbelief regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, stating, “Tell me how Joe Biden could get 81 million votes,” reflecting a common sentiment among his peers.
Undeterred, local Democrats poured immense resources into an ambitious campaign to reverse the county’s rightward trend, hoping to reclaim the support of voters who had become disenchanted.
In the frantic weeks leading up to the election, Democratic canvassers deployed buses to fan out across Luzerne County, engaging with residents to encourage them to vote.
Kevin Kraynak, originally from Luzerne County but currently living in California, made the cross-country trip to lend his voice and energy to the efforts aimed at mobilizing voters.
By the time he reached 100 miles of canvassing in Forty Fort, a small town outside Wilkes-Barre, Kraynak declared, “I’m going to walk until my legs fall off,” encapsulating the dedication among volunteers.
As Election Day approached, county officials remained on high alert, particularly following Luzerne County’s reputation as a hotbed of election denialism during the 2020 election cycle and the potential for armed voters, as Pennsylvania permits open carry.
The night prior to the election, a group of campaign volunteers, convened by Jennifer Ziemba, the wife of the Luzerne County Republican Party chair, assembled at her house in the affluent Harveys Lake.
Their critical mission involved reaching out to Republican voters to notify them about flaws in their mail-in ballots, instructing them to cast provisional ballots in person, a key effort to maximize turnout.
One participant candidly noted, “We’re not really MAGA-looking,” yet they stood firm in their unwavering support for Trump and his agenda.
Reflecting the complexity within the local women’s political ideologies, Ziemba voiced her frustration over voters primarily focused on abortion rights, asserting her willingness to compromise her own rights in favor of broader security, stating, “We’ll have peace with Trump.”
Lee Ann McDermott, a local real estate appraiser, echoed sentiments of economic optimism tied to Trump’s presidency, lamenting the current interest rates and their impact on refinancing possibilities.
On Election Day, Luzerne County, along with many of Pennsylvania’s counties, further swung right, contributing to a statewide tilt favoring Trump by approximately 130,000 votes, thereby securing his grasp on the state’s 19 crucial Electoral College votes.
In Luzerne County alone, over 152,000 ballots were cast, maintaining the same level of participation as seen in 2020, but with Trump’s vote margin expanding significantly from 14 points to a remarkable 20 points.
The outcome proved devastating for local Democrats, with Constance Wynn exclaiming her distress as she processed the results while investigating Trump’s potential agenda through Project 2025.
Wynn, reflecting on her family legacy of resilience and strength, sat in the parlor of her historic Wilkes-Barre home, a residence handed down through generations, as she confronted the shifting political environment.
The morning after the election, members of Bikers for Trump convened at D’s Diner in Plains Township, relishing a post-election celebration marked by camaraderie and victory-laden discussions.
A retired financial planner, Kim Pace, approached their table, expressing skepticism about their gathering as he shared his own voting experience that leaned toward Harris.
“Congratulations, guys,” Pace remarked with a hint of doubt, hoping for a positive outcome for their party’s victory.
Dave Ragan, a U.S. Army veteran, energetically stood up to champion their cause, proclaiming, “We changed the world!” amid a series of meaningful exchanges about societal changes he felt necessary.
The ongoing political divide remained palpable throughout the community in the days following the election.
On a Thursday evening, John McDermott, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, shared a moment with his wife, Lee Ann, reflecting on their contrasting voting choices over a casual drink after golfing.
Despite previously voting for Trump, John voiced his decision to back Harris this year, driven by moral objections to Trump’s criminal record and divisive rhetoric.
Lee Ann, a county council member, continued her engagement with the pro-Trump movement, celebrating what she viewed as a victorious outcome at a local gathering filled with enthusiasm.
“We’re getting Trumpy!” one attendee exclaimed joyfully, the celebration fueled by a shared sense of triumph among the attendees.
Hazleton, a city 30 miles from Wilkes-Barre, is marked by a diverse population that is 63 percent Latino, predominantly from the Dominican Republic.
Trump notably improved his standing in Hazleton, increasing his support by 7 points compared to the 2020 election, a remarkable contrast to his statewide performance increase of only 1.9 points.
Predominantly consisting of low-income, churchgoing families, the community holds conservative views that align closely with the former president’s political stance.
Adairis Casado, the owner of a local store, attributed her vote for Trump to shared values, stating concerns about issues such as gay marriage and transgender rights.
Fredelina Paredes, a paraprofessional at the local high school, also expressed disillusionment with Democratic policies, citing the rising cost of living as a significant concern impacting her family.
Having previously supported Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, she now finds resonance with Trump’s stance on various issues, particularly regarding abortion policies.
Amidst her family’s gatherings over the weekend following the election, Paredes expressed frustration at the inflated cost of groceries, highlighting economic pressures faced by low-income families.
As a community with vibrant religious affiliations, including at least six Catholic churches, many congregants find common ground in Trump’s narrative and policies, particularly in relation to immigration.
Pastor Elizabeth Torrez of Iglesia Cristiana Agua de Vida Hazleton expressed her fervent support for Trump and engaged her congregation in similar encouragement to endorse him.
Wadan Fernandez, an undocumented member of the congregation who arrived in the U.S. seeking a better future, voiced his admiration for Trump despite the potential personal risks associated with the former president’s immigration policies.
Philip Montgomery for The New York Times
Videos by Tre Cassetta.
What are the key factors driving Latino voters in Hazleton to reconsider their political alignment towards Trump?
Duran, a local business owner and influential community member, articulated the sentiments within Hazleton’s Latino population. “We see the changes Trump has advocated for, and many of us feel a connection to his ideas about work and family values,” she remarked. Duran’s perspective encapsulates a growing trend where traditional Democratic voters, particularly among Latino communities, are reconsidering their political alignment as economic concerns take precedence.
The aftermath of the election underscored a tangible divide not just in Luzerne County, but across Pennsylvania as a whole. Trump’s rhetoric on themes such as safety, economic recovery, and patriotism resonated with many, further entrenching his support.
Despite the challenges Democrats faced, there were signs of resilience and ongoing efforts to engage with communities to foster dialogue. Local Democratic leaders, recognizing the need for adaptation, have begun to address issues pertinent to their constituents, such as job creation and community safety, in response to shifting sentiments.
As the dust settles on the recent election cycle, Luzerne County remains a microcosm of broader national trends. The interplay of demographic shifts, economic considerations, and evolving political identities paints a complex picture of American society as it navigates a tumultuous political landscape. Observers note that understanding and addressing these dynamics will be crucial for any party hoping to secure future electoral victories in this pivotal region.
