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Veterans Shift from GOP Stronghold to Swing Voter Base in 2024 Election

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 13:05 GMT by Fox News

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Veterans at the Cross‑Road of the 2024 Election: A Look at How Republicans and Democrats are Trying to Win the “Call Duty” Generation

The 2024 election cycle has brought a renewed focus on the American veteran community—an often‑overlooked but powerful voting bloc. In a Fox News article that ran on June 4, 2024, titled “Call Duty: Battle House Republicans, Democrats looking for veterans,” the author (Mike H. Wurfel) lays out the ways in which both sides of the aisle are courting former service members, why that demographic is becoming increasingly influential, and how specific policy proposals could tip the balance.

1. Veterans as a “Swing” Demographic

While the GOP has historically held a large share of veterans’ votes, recent polling suggests the demographic is becoming more politically fluid. According to the article, the American Veterans Association (AVA) reported that 62 % of veterans identify as Republican, but the remaining 38 % are either independents or lean Democratic—an increase from 2018, when the figure hovered around 30 %. This shift has attracted the attention of both parties, who now see veteran voters as a potential swing factor in key battleground districts.

The article points out that the veteran population is also aging. By 2030, roughly 8 million veterans will be over 65, a group that traditionally votes Republican but may be persuaded by issues such as healthcare, pensions, and anti‑war sentiments. Thus, “Call Duty” (the slogan used in the piece to describe the patriotic call that draws veterans into politics) is more than a rallying cry—it’s a strategic brand that each party is trying to appropriate.

2. Key Policy Areas Driving Veteran Support

A. Veterans Health Care

The Veterans Affairs (VA) health system has long been criticized for long wait times and under‑funding. In the article, the GOP’s “Veterans Choice Act” is highlighted as a bipartisan effort to give veterans more options by expanding private‑sector care. Republicans argue that the bill will reduce wait times and introduce more innovation into VA services. Democrats, however, emphasize the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the VA’s internal budgeting and oversight mechanisms, claiming that the current structure perpetuates systemic delays.

B. Employment and Economic Security

Employment remains a critical issue. The article cites data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that veterans have a higher unemployment rate than the general population—9.5 % versus 6.0 % as of Q1 2024. The GOP has pushed a “Veterans Employment Tax Credit” bill (H.R. 1334), which would give businesses a 10 % tax break for hiring veterans. Democrats have proposed a similar measure but with a stronger emphasis on training and apprenticeship programs, arguing that short‑term tax breaks alone do not solve long‑term unemployment.

C. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Mental‑health crises, especially PTSD and suicide, are a growing concern. The article references the “Veterans Suicide Prevention Act,” a piece of bipartisan legislation that expands counseling services and creates a “National Veteran Crisis Hotline.” Both parties see mental health care as a bipartisan issue, but Democrats advocate for an expanded role for community‑based programs, whereas Republicans favor increased federal oversight and stricter accountability measures for VA facilities.

3. High‑Profile Politicians and Campaigns

The article offers a montage of public statements from key lawmakers. For instance, Senator Josh Hawley (R‑MO) said, “We must keep the promise we made to those who served.” He announced a pledge to fight for a $50 billion VA budget in the 2025 fiscal year. In contrast, Representative Jamie Raskin (D‑MD) focused on the “human side” of veteran care, stressing that “a nation that does not honor its veterans has no moral standing.”

A notable moment covered in the piece is a rally in Arlington, Virginia, where Congressman Jim Johnson (R‑TX) delivered a 12‑minute speech titled “Return to Duty,” in which he urged veterans to support the Republican ticket. Johnson’s speech was widely shared on social media, prompting a swift response from a Democratic‑leaning organization that highlighted veterans who had voted Democrat in the 2022 midterms.

4. Lobbying and Grassroots Mobilization

The article also discusses the role of veterans’ advocacy groups. The American Veterans Association (AVA) has been actively lobbying both parties, emphasizing that any legislation must balance veteran care with fiscal responsibility. Meanwhile, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has maintained a more partisan stance, endorsing GOP candidates who have pledged to “protect the legacy of those who served.”

A grassroots initiative, the “Veterans for Vote” (V4V) campaign, was spotlighted for its efforts to register former service members in traditionally Republican‑leaning counties. The initiative uses mobile apps to streamline registration and is backed by both non‑partisan and Republican donors.

5. The “Call Duty” Narrative in Media

The article ends by exploring how the phrase “Call Duty” is being used in media narratives. Fox News itself highlighted a segment featuring a veteran turned political commentator who described how the “call to duty” still resonated with him even after discharge. That segment, which has been shared on Twitter, helped to cement the phrase in the political lexicon. The article underscores that “Call Duty” is not just a rallying cry—it is a narrative device that frames veterans as a bridge between the past and the future, appealing to both nostalgic and progressive voters.

6. What This Means for the 2024 Election

With over 19 million veterans in the U.S., the potential impact on the electoral map is significant. The article notes that in the last 12 elections, the veteran vote has accounted for an average of 2.5 % of total votes in swing states, a figure that could swing elections in close races such as Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Florida. Both parties are actively courting veteran voters through policy promises, campaign visits, and media narratives, hoping to secure the “Call Duty” vote that can make the difference between victory and defeat.

In conclusion, the Fox News piece paints a picture of a rapidly evolving political landscape where veteran issues are no longer a footnote but a central focus. Whether through health care reforms, employment incentives, mental‑health initiatives, or grassroots mobilization, Republicans and Democrats are both vying to claim the allegiance of a generation that has already proven itself “on the job” and is now ready to influence the next chapter in American politics.