BELLEFONTE, Pa. — For Ellen Matis, the first time she visited this quaint Pennsylvania borough about eight years ago felt magical. On a bleak winter day, she drove into town, mesmerized by the winding road overlooking the creek, eventually arriving at a historic square buzzing with locals enjoying drinks at the pub.
“This is where we need to live,” she immediately thought. Surprisingly, her sister-in-law, who had grown up nearby, was taken aback. She remembered Bellefonte as a quiet, struggling community with empty storefronts and a significant drug problem, often highlighted by public overdoses near the courthouse.
However, Matis, now 33, recognized the charm in the town’s historic brick structures and its picturesque location in the Allegheny Mountains, not far from Pennsylvania State University. She established her home here, launched a social media marketing business, and started a family with her husband, raising two daughters.
“People are eager for change and optimistic about the future,” Matis shared.
Matis’ experience in Bellefonte mirrors a broader transformation reshaping the political landscape of Centre County, which has about 160,000 residents and may influence this year’s close presidential race.
The region has been split between the progressive university town of State College and the more conservative rural areas surrounding it. However, as educated individuals settle in Centre County, attracted by its affordable living, relaxed culture, and revitalized economy, the Democratic presence is growing.
Recent statistics show that 47.6% of county residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, up from 39.4% a decade ago. Because educational attainment often correlates with party affiliation, this influx of college-educated voters gives Democrats a potential advantage in an area that has historically oscillated between Republican and Democratic support. If the trend continues, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris could find significant backing in smaller towns beyond the urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which usually receive more campaign focus.
Harris’ potential appeal showcases a major realignment in American politics, where Republicans are vying for the working-class vote while Democrats are leaning more towards the college-educated demographic.
In Centre County, Republican contender Donald Trump still resonates with residents who feel alienated by the changes impacting their communities. Yet towns like Bellefonte are shifting towards Democratic support—voting for Joe Biden four years ago after backing Trump in the previous election—as optimistic individuals such as Matis gravitate towards candidates offering hopeful visions.
“She inspires hope,” Matis expressed. “I desire a fresh start.”
The demographic changes in Centre County have begun to reshape local politics. Historically, the board of commissioners often flipped between parties, but it has consistently leaned Democratic for nearly a decade.
County officials are implementing a development plan aimed at diversifying the economy beyond the educational sector and attracting newcomers to the area.
“We are anchored by Penn State,” stated Mark Higgins, chair of the county board of commissioners. “But this region is evolving beyond just Penn State.”
A slew of new hotels are scheduled to debut soon, accompanied by expansions of the local healthcare facilities. While Pennsylvania wrestles with an overall decline in population, Centre County is projected to grow, embracing new attractions like arts festivals and an Ironman triathlon.
According to Higgins, part of this growth is attributed to “boomerangs,” individuals raised in the area or alum from Penn State who return to establish families.
“It’s like Lake Wobegon,” he noted, “except it’s real.”
Inflation and rising living costs, similar to nationwide trends, pose challenges. Yet their effects vary locally; individuals fleeing expensive metropolitan areas settle in State College, while those priced out of the city migrate to the nearby towns. This economic ripple effect fosters an increase in liberal-minded residents in more rural settings across the county.
Derek and Lauren Ishler exemplify the boomerang phenomenon. They first met at Penn State and lived in Alexandria, Virginia, for several years before returning to State College to be closer to family while raising two daughters.
“The area has grown while still preserving a small-town atmosphere,” Derek explained. “We are content here.”
Both are casting their votes for Harris, reflecting Derek’s belief in creating a collaborative environment for future generations.
“What kind of world do I want for my children?” he questioned. “One filled with fear, or one where teamwork is emphasized?”
Recently, they attended a local festival where vendors sold gourmet food against a backdrop of string lights and live music, showcasing the community spirit in Bellefonte.
Newcomers Stacy and Marc Counterman moved here three years ago after Marc secured a position as an academic advisor at Penn State. Their enthusiasm led them to buy a house sight unseen.
“She’s fighting for families,” Stacy shared about Harris. “I truly believe she’ll advocate for us.”
The movement towards progressive values is strongly tied to State College, where residents from more conservative backgrounds migrate to benefit from the vibrant university culture.
Alex Sterbenz, who relocated from a neighboring county, stated, “It just made sense to make State College my home instead of commuting every weekend.” He works at a local music shop and enjoys sharing honky-tonk music with friends, albeit cautiously avoiding political discussions.
State College not only attracts new residents but also influences adjacent towns. Zeb Smoyer is one such Bellefonte native who returned home after college, stating his perspective on his hometown has changed. He now balances his job in an engineering firm with efforts to meet environmental regulations. Though undecided on the upcoming election, he voted for Biden previously.
Ezra Nanes, the Democratic mayor of State College, underscores the ongoing convergence between his town and surrounding areas, emphasizing how the university’s presence impacts the economy throughout Centre County.
Nanes moved from New York to State College 14 years ago to pursue an MBA at Penn State, eventually falling in love with the community. Working at AccuWeather and raising his soon-to-be family there, Nanes sees the vital role this region plays in the larger political landscape.
“Cities often capture the spotlight, but this area is crucial for electoral victories,” Nanes commented.
Yet, engaging the massive student population at Penn State presents a unique challenge.
“We aren’t particularly known for political engagement,” admitted Baybars Charkas, the president of the Penn State College Democrats. He recognizes the university’s significance in today’s political arena, with approximately 48,000 enrolled students.
Graduate student Sydney Robinson wishes to increase Harris’ visibility through her initiative, crafting friendship bracelets while reaching out to potential voters. Nicknamed “voter girl,” she actively collects registration forms, regularly signing up several individuals each week.
The Harris campaign has established a significant presence in Centre County, with a dedicated staff making extensive outreach efforts, including door-to-door visits and phone calls.
In contrast, the Trump campaign has not published specific outreach metrics but is targeting events like college football tailgates to engage potential young male voters.
While addressing economic issues, Trump’s campaign emphasizes a familiar question: “Are you better off now compared to four years ago?” His team suggests Democrats lean too far left on cultural matters, which may drive some to seek a Republican alternative.
Penn State College Republicans President Ryan Klein recognizes the left-leaning campus but assures there is a passionate, if not vocal, conservative presence. Recent events featuring right-leaning figures enjoy strong attendance, even if openly wearing political slogans remains infrequent.
Despite the growth surrounding State College, rural areas like Philipsburg still grapple with the effects of insufficient development.
Brittney Tekely, 31, sees potential in her small hometown, where she has recently opened a barbershop in a struggling downtown. She aspires to revitalize her workspace while lamenting the stagnation affecting other parts of the town.
“It’s charming, but it needs support,” she explained. Although not certain about her voting plans, she acknowledges the predominant Republican sentiments among her customers.
Some locals, including 77-year-old Thomas Gette, staunchly support Trump, expressing concerns about migration and economic conditions. He perceives the town’s transition away from traditional industries as detrimental, explaining that where thriving industries once reigned, now remains a sense of disillusionment.
In Gette’s words, Philipsburg feels “pretty stagnant.”