The results of November’s election were deeply disappointing to me and countless rural Democrats who have been tirelessly working to support our communities. There are 3,143 counties in America, with more than 2,500 of them having populations smaller than 100,000—fewer people than Ohio State’s stadium can hold.
Nearly half of these counties have fewer than 25,000 residents. I returned to my hometown in a rural county after being away for 26 years, only to be struck by the decline in my community.
In 2016, I ran as a Democrat in my rural district, but I narrowly lost in the Trump landslide. Since then, I’ve connected with thousands of rural Americans to understand why trust in both parties has eroded and why many have turned to Trump Republicans.
The loss of local news and competition in rural areas is deepening the divide, with voters feeling more disconnected than ever
Donald Trump expanded his rural vote advantage, increasing it from 15 percent in 2020 to 30 percent in 2024. When analyzing what happened to the Democratic Party in this election, it’s crucial to recognize that the issue is not solely political.
The Republican-led county commission in my area ended funding for mental health services, illustrating how elections impact everyday life. As a rural Democrat, I’d like to offer a few insights from the ground.
Democrats and progressives often dismiss rural voters as “low-information Trump supporters,” but the truth is that rural America is grounded in values like hard work, freedom, fairness, and a love for family, community, and country. Once a stronghold for the Democratic Party, rural areas have been abandoned by both parties over the past 30 years.
Job losses in manufacturing and natural resources, a lack of infrastructure investment, high gas prices, and soaring food costs have led to widespread anger and frustration. Rural families are battling despair, with healthcare, childcare, and food deserts worsening the situation. This neglect has created an opening for Republicans, who place blame on Democrats for the region’s struggles.
Many rural communities have also lost access to local news, with right-wing syndicates buying up the remaining media outlets. A report from Northwestern reveals that rural counties are hit hardest by this trend, with over 200 counties lacking any local news coverage.
Since 2005, the U.S. has lost 2,900 newspapers, and one-third of all remaining newspapers are projected to close by next year, leaving mostly weekly publications behind. Another critical issue is the lack of electoral competition. In many rural counties, Trump Republicans control state and local offices, and a staggering 58 percent of offices go unchallenged, with rural areas seeing even higher rates.
Democrats hesitate to even display yard signs, let alone run for office. This lack of representation is alarming, as it enables Trump Republicans to further entrench their power without accountability, all while failing to address critical investments in economic opportunity, public health, infrastructure, education, public safety, and more.
A positive example was the reelection of Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington’s 3rd District. Her victory—a rematch of the biggest upset in 2022—offers an important lesson for the Democratic Party.
Gluesenkamp Perez worked tirelessly to understand the concerns of her district and made cross-party collaboration a priority. She has criticized her party for being too dismissive of working-class voters, advocating for a shift in how Democrats engage with and support their constituencies.
For democracy to thrive, an informed electorate is essential. Rebuilding institutions and relationships will take time, but rural communities are working together to strengthen democratic values and ensure that government serves everyone. We need to be seen, heard, and understood if we’re to contribute to the greater good.
To restore meaningful political power, the Democratic Party must focus on building sustainable support from the grassroots, establishing trusted information sources, and fighting for all people—not just the elite or the urban majority.
