In rural districts where support for former President Donald Trump remains strong, Democratic candidates are attempting to reconnect with voters who have largely shifted away from the party over the past quarter-century. These candidates aim to expand Democratic influence beyond the traditional suburban and urban battlegrounds by engaging directly with rural communities.
Beth Macy, a journalist known for her reporting on issues such as the opioid crisis and economic decline in Appalachia, is running as a Democrat in Virginia’s Sixth District. The district, which includes the Shenandoah Valley and stretches from Roanoke to Winchester, is largely rural and has historically leaned Republican. Incumbent GOP Representative Ben Cline secured 64 percent of the vote in the previous election. Macy describes the district’s population as economically challenged, with fewer residents holding college degrees compared to state and national averages.
During a campaign event at a barn in the Shenandoah Valley, Macy invoked the 4-H youth organization’s pledge, emphasizing themes of clear thinking, loyalty, and service. She noted the disconnect many rural voters feel from national politics and the Democratic Party, acknowledging the challenge of overcoming longstanding skepticism toward Democrats in these areas.
Macy and other Democratic candidates like Jamie Ager, a fourth-generation farmer in North Carolina, and Rebecca Cooke, who has ties to farming communities in Wisconsin, are part of a broader strategy by House Democrats to regain ground in rural America. This effort comes amid rising economic pressures linked to international events and federal policies, including increased costs for diesel and fertilizer amid tensions related to the Iran conflict and the impact of tariff disputes on agricultural exports. Additionally, cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies implemented last year have disproportionately affected rural families reliant on healthcare support.
Despite these challenges, gaining traction within rural communities remains difficult. In Bridgewater, Virginia, the town manager, Jay Litton, a lifelong Republican, expressed skepticism about the viability of Democratic candidates in the region. He discouraged public displays of support for Democrats by local officials, highlighting the deep partisan divide at the grassroots level. Litton advised candidates to prioritize virtual outreach methods such as Zoom or phone calls over in-person events to avoid alienating community leaders wary of partisan association.
Macy acknowledges the uphill nature of her campaign but remains focused on amplifying rural voices often overlooked in political discourse. She recounts encounters with voters who have traditionally supported Republicans but are disillusioned with the current political climate. One supporter, a fourth-generation business owner, contributed to her campaign despite never having voted for a Democrat before, expressing dismay over inflammatory rhetoric used by Trump and his allies.
As Democrats seek to rekindle support in rural districts, candidates like Macy highlight both the obstacles and opportunities inherent in addressing the economic and social issues facing these communities. The success of these efforts could play a significant role in shaping the balance of power in the House of Representatives.