Ronald Reagan: From Hollywood To The Oval Office

Reagan Became A Republican Before Running For Office

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From 1932 until 1948, Ronald Reagan voted as a Democrat. He did this in gratitude for Franklin Roosevelt’s “New Deal” success. During the Great Depression Reagan’s father and brother were employed with work relief agencies. His change of heart came with increased taxes and fears of the spread of Communism in America.

Reagan believed the Republican party took the threat of Communism more seriously than the Democrats. Still, Reagan didn’t register as a Republican until 1962. He believed he could do more good for conservatives as a “Democrat for Nixon” during the 1960 Presidential Race.