Democrats Dominate Wealthiest Congressional Districts Despite Trump’s National Victory

By Terence P. Jeffrey

In 2024, the 15 wealthiest congressional districts in the United States—measured by median household income—demonstrated a striking trend: all elected Democratic representatives to the House of Representatives. This pattern held despite voters nationwide electing President Donald Trump to a second term, as he lost to then-Vice President Kamala Harris in 14 of these districts.

California’s 17th District, the nation’s wealthiest with a median household income of $181,913, exemplified this dynamic. Incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., defeated Republican Anita Chen 67.7% to 32.3%, while Harris secured 67% of the vote compared to Trump’s 29%. A nearby district, California’s 16th, also saw Democratic dominance, with Sam Liccardo defeating Evan Low 58.2% to 41.8% in a primary runoff. Harris won this area 72% to 24%.

On the East Coast, Virginia’s 11th District, third wealthiest at $158,109, re-elected Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., who captured 66.7% of the vote. After Connolly’s passing, James Walkinshaw won a special election with 75.14%. Harris defeated Trump here 65.18% to 31.18%. Virginia’s 10th District, fourth wealthiest at $157,863, also leaned Democratic, with Suhas Subramanyam beating Mike Clancy 52.3% to 47.7%.

New York’s 12th District, fifth wealthiest at $153,117, saw Rep. Jerrold Nadler defeat Mike Zumbluskas 80.5% to 19.5%, while Harris won 81% to 17%. California’s 10th and 15th districts, both with median incomes of $151,546, re-elected Democrats Mark DeSaulnier and Kevin Mullin, respectively, with margins of 66.5% and 73.1%.

Maryland’s 8th District, eighth wealthiest at $146,362, elected Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who secured 77% of the vote. Harris won here 76.01% to 20.17%. California’s 11th District, ninth wealthiest at $142,524, re-elected Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., with 81% support. Harris captured 82% of the vote in this district.

New Jersey’s 11th District, 10th wealthiest at $141,429, saw Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., win 56.5% against Joseph Belnome, while Harris received 53% compared to Trump’s 45%. New York’s 3rd District, the 11th wealthiest at $138,234, was the sole outlier, voting for Trump 51% to 47% over Harris. Despite this, Thomas Suozzi, D-N.Y., retained his seat with 51.8% of the vote.

Georgia’s 7th District, the only wealthiest district electing a Republican in 2024, saw Rich McCormick, R-Ga., defeat Bob Christian 64.9% to 35.1%. Trump won this district 60.5% to 38.4%.

Following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a Tax Foundation analysis projected an average $3,752 tax cut per taxpayer in 2026. Every House Democrat opposed the bill, including those representing the wealthiest districts. Pelosi, who represents California’s 11th District, questioned its merits but acknowledged its broad benefits.