The City of Chester, PA is located in Delaware County, has been a longtime Republican stronghold since the political machine of John McClure, a major force in the early 20th century.
In November 2008, there were 326,689 registered voters in Chester County: Republicans accounted for 150,300, or46.01%, Democrats for 125,198, or 38.32%, and others included 51,191, or 15.67%.
Democrats have shown more strength recently, including November 2008 when Barack Obama became the first Democrat to win the county in a Presidential Election since 1964.
The City of Chester also elected a Democratic mayor and took school board seats last November in a election that shocked the county.
More info from The Delaware County Times:
2011 Elections: Democrats Control in Chester
Letter To Editor: Dems need to get down to business in Chester
| Year | Republican | Democratic |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 45.0% 112,266 | 54.2% 135,150 |
| 2004 | 52.0% 120,306 | 47.5% 109,708 |
| 2000 | 53.4% 100,080 | 43.7% 82,047 |
| 1996 | 48.7% 77,029 | 41.0% 64,783 |
| 1992 | 43.7% 74,002 | 35.2% 59,643 |
| 1988 | 67.0% 93,522 | 32.1% 44,853 |
| 1984 | 70.1% 92,221 | 29.6% 38,870 |
| 1980 | 60.9% 73,046 | 28.6% 34,307 |
| 1976 | 60.4% 67,686 | 38.1% 42,712 |
| 1972 | 68.4% 72,726 | 29.3% 31,118 |
| 1968 | 57.2% 56,073 | 33.3% 32,606 |
| 1964 | 45.5% 40,280 | 54.1% 47,940 |
| 1960 | 63.6% 53,059 | 36.2% 30,167 |
