Winning Back Rural America
I come from a place where the sound of crickets at night, the scent of fresh-cut hay, the creak of saddle leather, the rattle of a pickup bed, the view of majestic spaces, the chatter of conversations at the local breakfast joint and so many other sensorial things are indelibly carved on my soul. Despite my city living most of my adult life, I find that I relate better to small-town folks than those in city high-rises or suburban cul-de-sacs. There’s a sincerity and simplicity in rural life that you just don’t find elsewhere.
That is why it hurts my heart to see rural America become enticed and manipulated by a man like Donald Trump, who is the antithesis of rural in every possible way. But the painful truth is that rural America remains the largest voting block within MAGA. I reject that this must be the norm.
There are ways to win back rural America but first you must understand it better. Around 72% of urban residents in the U.S. have never visited a farm or ranch. This statistic reflects the growing disconnect between urban populations and rural life, highlighting a gap in understanding the realities and values of rural communities.
A significant portion of the lifestyle many Americans enjoy is directly supported by the work ethic and output of rural America. For instance, rural communities produce nearly 80% of the nation’s food, fuel, and fiber. This includes the vast majority of crops, livestock, and natural resources like oil, gas, and timber. Rural workers contribute to about 10% of the U.S. GDP, despite making up just under 20% of the population, underscoring the disproportionate impact they have on everyday essentials—from the food on our tables to the energy that powers our homes. Without the hard work and dedication of rural America, much of the infrastructure, goods, and services that people in urban and suburban areas take for granted would be severely compromised.
Rural America has a character that’s hard to beat: a spirit of service, a deep sense of decency, and an unshakeable commitment to community. Nearly 44% of our military hails from rural communities, even though they make up less than 20% of the population. This statistic speaks volumes about the values that run deep in these areas—values rooted in duty, honor, and a willingness to stand up and serve when called upon. This isn’t just about signing up for the armed forces; it’s about a mindset that values contribution over comfort, that sees service to others as a way of life, not an exception.
There’s a sense of decency and respect in rural America that’s woven into everyday interactions. It’s the unspoken code that has neighbors looking out for each other, whether that means sharing a meal during hard times or lending a hand with the harvest. It’s in the way people still say “please” and “thank you” like they mean it, and in the small acts of kindness that happen without a second thought. This decency comes from a place where relationships are built face-to-face, not screen-to-screen, and where character counts for more than credentials.
And then there’s the community ethos—one of the greatest strengths of rural life. When times are tough, rural folks pull together. Whether it’s responding to natural disasters, organizing a benefit for a neighbor in need, or simply showing up for one another, there’s a deep-rooted sense of solidarity. Community isn’t just a word; it’s a living, breathing thing. It’s what keeps people coming back to their roots, even when life pulls them to distant places.
Rural culture has its charms—no doubt about it—but it also has its darker side. Too often, there’s a resistance to change and a clinging to traditions that don’t always treat everyone equally or fairly. A significant part of this comes from a brand of Christianity that, while offering values like charity and kindness, also tends to enforce a rigid, exclusionary view of the world. This mindset promotes a narrow definition of faith that can stifle diversity, limit personal freedom, and dictate who belongs and who doesn’t.
Christian fundamentalism in many rural areas can make it hard for people to live as their true selves. Whether it’s LGBTQ+ individuals facing rejection or discrimination, women being denied their right to make decisions about their own bodies, or anyone who doesn’t fit a traditional mold being judged or ostracized, the influence is often restrictive. The insistence on a single, “correct” way to live, believe, and behave creates a barrier against diverse perspectives and a culture where deviation from the norm is seen as a threat rather than a different path.
There’s also a strong push for conformity that comes with this type of religious influence. The pressure to adhere to a specific set of beliefs can lead to a culture of silence where people are afraid to speak up or be seen as different. It often discourages open discussion and the exploration of ideas outside the accepted narrative. This isn’t just about religion; it’s about limiting the freedom to be who you are, think for yourself, and live a life that feels true to you.
To win back rural America, we must build on (and learn from) the positives - and provide pragmatic solutions to the problems facing rural Americans.
Here are four proposed solutions:
We need to start with focusing on the essentials—bringing reliable broadband to rural areas, expanding healthcare access so a doctor’s visit doesn’t mean a two-hour drive, and offering education and job training that fit local needs, like renewable energy or skilled trades. These tangible investments improve quality of life and make it harder for divisive political rhetoric to thrive.
Strengthen policies that support small farming and ranching operations by offering tax breaks for sustainable practices and grants for new ranchers and farmers. Continue to promote American farms and ranches to global markets. In fiscal year 2022, U.S. agricultural exports reached a record high of $196.4 billion, reflecting the critical role of rural America in the global food supply and economy.
Create incentives for young entrepreneurs to set up shop in rural areas. Example: Iowa's "Empower Rural Iowa" program offers young entrepreneurs low-interest loans, startup grants, and tax incentives to launch businesses in rural areas, revitalizing local economies with new ideas and reducing dependence on divisive politics. By attracting fresh talent and fostering innovation, programs like these help rural communities thrive while maintaining their unique character.
The opioid epidemic has hit rural communities like a freight train, taking a devastating toll. Real solutions include expanding access to treatment centers and recovery programs, increasing funding for mental health services, and offering incentives for healthcare providers to work in underserved areas. Support community-driven initiatives that provide education on addiction and recovery, and create job opportunities for those rebuilding their lives. It’s not about sweeping the problem under the rug or punishing offenders—it’s about providing real help where it’s needed most.
As for examples of rural folks who lead with these values, look no further than Dolly Parton from Sevier County, Tennessee. She’s not just a country music icon but a force for good, funding everything from education to healthcare and is wildly popular for her socially conscious views. Then there’s Wendell Berry, the Kentucky farmer who’s been a tireless advocate for sustainable farming and thoughtful living. And VP candidate, Tim Walz, a rural Nebraska native who brings the grit of a former teacher and National Guard member to governing with compassion and common sense.
Rural America is more than its politics; it’s a land rich with values, community, and people who care deeply about their neighbors. Let’s focus on what makes these places special and work toward solutions that honor that spirit.