Rural America
Rural Democrats urge party to pair affordability message with investments in long-neglected areas
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As national Democrats elevate an “affordability” message heading into the 2026 midterms, two candidates running in deep-red rural territory say the pitch can fall flat unless the party also invests in organizing and long-shot races that rarely draw national attention.
Across off-year and special elections in 2025, Democrats notched a series of local wins in rural and small-town communities—from county offices in Pennsylvania to mayoral races in Montana—and also benefited from rural-area shifts in statewide contests, according to reporting and data cited by The Nation and other outlets.
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In rural America, Gen Z and millennial voters grapple with economic hardships like rising prices and limited opportunities, feeling overlooked by politicians. Personal stories from Virginia, Alabama, and Pennsylvania highlight their frustrations as they approach a pivotal role in future elections. By 2028, these generations are projected to form more than half of the electorate.