Political parties in the United States use colors and symbols to help identify and distinguish themselves. These visual representations are an important part of a party’s brand and help rally supporters. The colors and symbols are plastered on everything from campaign signs to t-shirts and hats at political conventions. Understanding what each party’s colors and symbols represent provides insight into their history, values, and messaging.
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The Democratic Party’s official color is blue, while their unofficial colors are red, white and blue. The Democratic donkey is the official symbol for the party.
Blue
Blue is the official color of the Democratic Party. The blue color represents truth, loyalty, faith, confidence, wisdom, intelligence, and tranquility. It also represents the color of clear skies and the blue waters. The Democratic Party adopted the color blue in the late 1990s to contrast with the Republican’s use of the color red. It has been used in Democratic campaign materials and logos ever since.
Red, White and Blue
While blue is the official color, red, white and blue are considered the unofficial colors of the Democratic Party. These colors represent the American flag and are meant to convey patriotism. They tie the Democrats to traditional American values.
Donkey
The donkey is the official symbol of the Democratic Party. The origin of the donkey as a symbol dates back to the 1828 presidential campaign of Andrew Jackson. His opponents called him a “jackass” for his populist views. Jackson decided to use the image to his advantage by featuring donkeys on his campaign posters. He went on to win the election. The donkey later became a mainstream symbol for the entire Democratic Party. Today it represents the party’s working class roots and strong will.
Republican Party
The Republican Party, also known as the GOP (Grand Old Party), promotes conservative values and is one of the two major political parties in the U.S. The official color of the Republican Party is red, while the unofficial colors are red, white and blue. The elephant is the party’s official symbol.
Red
Red is the official color of the Republican Party. The red color signifies courage, hardiness, strength, determination and military strength and valor. It also represents the color of heat and fire. The Republican Party adopted red after the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore when network broadcast graphics assigned blue to the Democrats and the color red to the Republicans.
Red, White and Blue
Like the Democrats, Republicans also use the colors red, white and blue which represent the American flag. By using the patriotic colors, the Republican Party identifies as true American patriots who value the nation’s founding principles.
Elephant
The elephant is the official symbol of the Republican Party and dates back to an 1874 cartoon by Thomas Nast. In the cartoon, Nast drew a donkey dressed in lion’s skin scaring away the animals at the zoo. One of those animals was an elephant labeled “The Republican Vote.” The elephant was meant to represent strength and intelligence. Over time the elephant was adopted as the party’s official symbol.
Third Parties
In addition to the two major parties, there are several third parties in the U.S. political system. Third parties promote a set of values different from the Republican and Democratic parties. Here are the colors and symbols of the most prominent third parties:
Libertarian Party
| Official Color | Yellow |
| Unofficial Colors | Yellow and black |
| Symbol | Porcupine |
The Libertarian Party promotes civil liberties and limited government. Yellow represents freedom and black represents determination. The porcupine symbolizes defense from coercion.
Green Party
| Official Color | Green |
| Unofficial Colors | Green, white and black |
| Symbol | Sunflower |
The Green Party advocates environmentalism, social justice and nonviolence. Green represents the party’s environmental focus. The sunflower symbolizes the search for solutions.
Constitution Party
| Official Color | Blue and gold |
| Symbol | Eagle |
The Constitution Party champions paleoconservative values. Blue and gold represent sovereignty and prosperity. The eagle symbolizes freedom and vision.
State and Local Party Symbols
Political parties also have specific colors and symbols at the state and local levels. Here are some examples:
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
| Official Color | Blue |
| Symbol | Flying goose |
This Democratic affiliate uses the flying goose to represent prairie populism.
California Democratic Party
| Official Color | Blue |
| Symbol | California grizzly bear |
The bear symbolizes strength.
New York State Republican Party
| Official Color | Blue and gold |
| Symbol | Bison |
The bison represents New York’s heritage.
Conclusion
Color and symbols play an important role in U.S. political parties. The Democratic donkey and Republican elephant are iconic images engrained in our culture. While red and blue are most prominent, additional colors highlight the diversity of values across the political spectrum. Third parties like the Green, Libertarian and Constitution promote their own unique symbols and colors. State and local parties also adopt symbols that resonate with regional history and priorities. So whether you are sporting team colors or canvassing neighborhoods with campaign signs, political party visuals communicate a complex array of American identities and ideals.
