“There’s a huge void and disconnect here between the big cities and the country in this state; they look at us as some sort of tumbleweed in between Sacramento and Los Angeles,” Mr. Starrh said. He pointed to the recent statewide ban on plastic bags as an example of government overreach, something he hopes will lessen with Mr. Trump in power.
“The politicians here think the answer to all your problems is more laws, but I spend more time now going to meetings about regulations than actually farming,” Mr. Starrh said. “It doesn’t help me build jobs or feed my family, and it’s not a way to stay in business.”
Republicans make up roughly 38 percent of all registered voters in Kern County, while Democrats account for 36 percent. (Most others are independent.) But Republicans control both the Bakersfield City Council and the county’s Board of Supervisors. The city is also home to Kevin McCarthy, the House majority leader who has represented the area in Congress for a decade.
Many Republicans here are confident that Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Trump will help chip away at some state policies, such as environmental regulations, the Affordable Care Act and the overwhelmingly welcoming attitude toward immigrants.
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