10 Most Liberal States in the US
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Washington
- New York
- California
- Oregon
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Illinois
1. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the most liberal state in the United States. According to a 2018 study performed by Gallup, roughly 35% of Massachusetts voters identify as Democrats, which is the highest percentage of any state, and its effects can be seen in its Democratic trifecta. All three of the state’s governing bodies, the Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor’s position, are Democratically controlled. And both the Senate and House of Representatives hold a Democratic supermajority. This makes Massachusetts the number one place in America for voters with more liberal ideologies.
2. Maine
The second-most liberal state in America is Maine. This coastal state has a voting population of about 1.4 Million, and 33% of these voters consider themselves Democrats. In addition, both its State Senate and House of Representatives are Democratically-controlled, and its Governor’s seat is currently also held by the Democratic Party. Overall, this makes Maine one of the strongest liberal states in the nation.
3. Washington
Washington is the most liberal state on America’s west coast. This state is home to roughly 7.8 Million residents, about 31% of whom identify as liberal voters. The State Senate is controlled by the Democratic Party, which holds 9 more seats than its Republican counterparts. Democrats also control the state’s House, which has a total of 58 Democratic Representatives. Additionally, the state’s Governor is a member of the Democratic Party, making Washington another state with a liberal trifecta.
4. New York
New York is well-known for being popular among liberals and Democrats. Though the State Senate did recently lose one vacant seat to the Republican party in 2022, it still has 42 Representatives in the Democratic Party. This keeps the State Senate liberally controlled. Democrats also hold the majority of the State Assembly, with 102 Democratic Senators in place as of January 2023. Additionally, the state Governor is part of the Democratic Party, maintaining New York’s status as a Democratic trifecta.
5. California
Liberals from across the country have always flocked to California. This west coast state boasts a voting population of about 39 Million, and roughly 29% of its voters identify as Democrats. According to the most recent election data, California also has a Democratic supermajority in both the Senate and State Assembly. With a well-established Democratic governor, California is another west coast state with Democratic trifecta status.
6. Oregon
Oregon is another popular choice among liberal voters on the west coast. This state is home to about 4.24 Million residents, 30% of whom describe themselves as Democratic voters. Oregon’s governing bodies are all liberally controlled – though the splits within the House and Senate are slightly narrower than other states on this list.
7. Hawaii
Hawaii is another one of the most liberal states in America. This state has a population of about 1.44 million, and 28% of its voters align with liberal ideology. While Hawaii’s House of Representatives did lose two seats to the Republican Party in 2022, it still remains a Democratic supermajority. Hawaii’s State Senate also lost one seat to the Republican Party in 2022 but still remains a Democratic supermajority. Retaining a Democratic Governor, Hawaii’s trifecta status makes it one of the most liberal states in the nation.
8. New Jersey
New Jersey is another Democratically-controlled state. It has a voting population of about 9.26 Million people, and 27% of these voters identify themselves as liberal-leaning. The state’s General Assembly, Senate, and Governor positions are all currently Democratically-controlled, though all the Senate and General Assembly seats are up for reelection in 2023. Additionally, the state’s attorney general and secretary of state are also Democrats, making this state both a government trifecta and a government triplex.
9. Connecticut
Connecticut has recently become a popular area for liberals and democrats. This state’s voting population is about 3.63 Million, and 27% of its voters consider themselves part of the Democratic Party. In addition, the state’s House of Representatives, Senate, and Governor positions are all currently Democratically-controlled.
10. Illinois
Illinois is also a Democratically-controlled state. This central state has a total voter population of about 12.6 Million, roughly 27% of whom align with the Democratic Party. Per the 2022 election, the entire Illinois General Assembly is Democrat-led; the State Senate has 72 Democratic Senators, and the House has 41 Democratic Representatives. The state’s Governor is also part of the Democratic party, giving Illinois a trifecta status.
Most Liberal States Comparison
State |
Estimated Population 2022 |
Voter Percentage |
House of Reps./General Assembly Split |
Senate Members Split |
Trifecta Status |
Massachusetts |
6.98 Million |
35% |
132-26 |
37-3 |
Trifecta |
Maine |
1.39 Million |
33% |
82-67 |
22-13 |
Trifecta |
Washington |
7.79 Million |
31% |
58-40 |
29-20 |
Trifecta |
New York |
19.7 Million |
30% |
102-48 |
42-21 |
Trifecta |
California |
39.0 Million |
29% |
62-18 |
32-8 |
Trifecta |
Oregon |
4.24 Million |
28% |
35-25 |
18-10 |
Trifecta |
Hawaii |
1.44 Million |
28% |
45-6 |
23-2 |
Trifecta |
New Jersey |
9.26 Million |
27% |
46-34 |
24-16 |
Trifecta |
Connecticut |
3.63 Million |
27% |
95-53 |
24-12 |
Trifecta |
Illinois |
12.6 Million |
27% |
72-44 |
41-17 |
Trifecta |