Democrats lose control of the South after Jimmy Carter's presidency

In the United States, former President Jimmy Carter's legacy includes a strong connection to the Hispanic community, which became increasingly relevant during his time in office from 1977 to 1981. Carter's administration is noted for its unprecedented efforts to engage with Latino voters, who supported him with approximately 81% of their vote in the 1976 presidential election. This significant backing emphasized the importance of the Latino electorate in American politics, prompting Carter to respond with concrete actions aimed at inclusivity within his administration. Blandina Cardenas, who worked on Carter's campaign in Texas, exemplifies the impact of his presidency on Latino leadership. Appointed in 1977 as the commissioner for children, youth, and families in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Cardenas oversaw impactful programs including the Head Start initiative and child welfare programs. Her experience reflects Carter's commitment to not only appointing qualified individuals but also those rooted in the grassroots political and civil rights movements. This approach resulted in a record number of Latino appointments, which changed the landscape of federal representation for Hispanics. Carter also tackled various pressing issues affecting Latinos during his presidency. The Hispanic unemployment rate ranged from 8.3% to 10.1% in his term, illustrating the economic challenges that persisted among Latino communities. Some supporters, like activist Martha P. Cotera, believed that while he aimed for high ideals such as social justice, realities such as economic forces often hindered his success. Cotera expressed both admiration and protective criticism, reflecting on how Carter's presidency represented a continuation of the civil rights movement, striving for equality across demographics. However, the political landscape shifted significantly after his presidency. As he left office, the Democratic Party began to struggle in the South, a region that had been predominantly Democratic until Carter's term. His presidency both exemplified and contributed to a wider trend in Republican gains in Southern states, aided by white voters and evangelical populations who felt increasingly aligned with the Republican agenda. This transformation continued to develop in the decades following his administration, where the Southern state dynamics would evolve into predominantly Republican strongholds, especially among evangelical voters, setting the stage for future electoral trends in the South.