Rural Voters Power Statewide Candidates to Victory

[Link]Candidates and political campaigns invested heavily in outreach to rural voters in Wisconsin in 2024. Both parties poured excessive amounts of time and energy into rural parts of the state recognizing that connecting on issues like inflation, healthcare access and agricultural policy is essential for winning over this critical voter base.

Each political party had their own motives for that effort. Wisconsin, with its long history of progressive reforms, famously maintains its status as an election heavy weight as part of the midwestern "blue wall." The "blue wall" is a group of traditionally Democratic-leaning Midwestern and Northern states that have been key to Democratic presidential victories in past elections. The blue wall was tested in recent cycles, with Wisconsin swinging between parties in presidential elections, most notably when it went to Donald Trump in 2016 then back to Joe Biden in 2020 and back to Trump this cycle.

Republicans were working to energize their base. Many rural voters prioritize issues like economic development, gun rights and limited government, which often align with Republican positions. In Wisconsin, rural areas have been critical for Republican candidates, providing a strong voting base that often counterbalances Democratic urban strongholds like Milwaukee and Madison.

While rural Wisconsin voters have largely favored Republican candidates in recent elections, factors such as economic pressures on farming communities, healthcare access and infrastructure needs have also led some rural voters to consider Democratic candidates who address these concerns. This has made rural Wisconsin an area of strategic focus for both parties.

Ultimately, the success of each candidate hinged on their ability to genuinely connect with rural voters-a factor that proved especially decisive in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate race. Sen. Tammy Baldwin invested considerable effort in building relationships with rural communities, particularly with farmers. She met with them in their own communities, listened to their concerns and championed agricultural policies that resonated with them. This commitment to understanding and supporting rural Wisconsin helped Baldwin gain crucial support.

In contrast, her opponent, Eric Hovde, did not make the same outreach efforts and even admitted he had little knowledge of agricultural issues, famously stating he "didn't know anything about the farm bill." In a razor-thin race, Baldwin's consistent engagement with rural voters and her focus on agricultural policy may well have tipped the scales. This election demonstrated that candidates who earn the trust of rural communities and prioritize their issues have a strong advantage in close contests.

In Wisconsin, statewide elections are razor-thin, with victory within reach for either party-a reality that was especially evident in 2024. As Donald Trump broke through the Democratic "blue wall" in both Wisconsin and Michigan, the importance of connecting with rural voters reached new heights. Candidates now face a competitive landscape where rural voices can decisively shape the outcome. The rural vote has become a critical battleground, underscoring that any path to victory in Wisconsin demands an understanding of the unique needs and priorities of its rural communities.

For future elections, engaging with rural voters on issues that matter to them will likely remain a priority for candidates seeking statewide support. From agriculture to economic issues, rural voters demonstrated that they expect leaders to address the challenges unique to their communities. This election underscored the fact that rural constituents value candidates who listen to their needs and propose solutions that benefit both rural and urban areas alike.

In 2024, rural voters in Wisconsin sent a clear message: candidates who overlook rural issues do so at their own risk.