ROOKE: Democrats Willing To Chase Political Pipe Dream Straight Off A Cliff

Democrats appear to be feeling energized by some recent positive results and by classic liberal media optimism that paints a picture of supposed cracks in President Donald Trump’s rural support due to tariffs and policy reforms. But history shows they might be on their skis.

Politico reported Saturday that Democrats believe they have a chance to win significant support from voters in Republican Party strongholds in rural America. The story illustrates how the Democratic Party, fueled by wishful thinking and a visceral desire to beat Trump at all costs, is poised to waste significant resources on an illusory opportunity in rural America. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has deployed an eight-figure investment in a first-ever dedicated rural outreach program, including staff recruitment, voter mobilization and ads featuring disgruntled farmers.

At first glance, this seems strategic. Democrats cite Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s victory in November, in which she captured 46 percent of rural voters and outperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris in 48 of 52 rural locations by attacking Trump’s tariffs and emphasizing affordability issues. (Subscribe to Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)

“We have a unique opening because of everything that’s going on with this administration,” Illinois Democratic Rep. Nikki Budzinski told Politico. She added that farmers and rural voters, who make up a significant portion of her constituency, “could listen in a more unique way than perhaps they ever have in the past. And we need to get through that door.”

Compete everywhere…it’s not just a cycle. We must have a long-term strategic plan to re-engage and eventually win back rural communities. #DirtRoadDemocrats @DirtRoadPAC https://t.co/0M0j1goVcA

– Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) December 1, 2025

Political realities should show this as a profound misallocation of Democratic Party resources. Their decision is motivated more by ideological fervor and headline-hunting than by prudent political calculation. For example, Spanberger’s success in Virginia is notable but does not translate nationally. Virginia’s rural areas are influenced by proximity to federal workers in the suburbs, and its centrist brand resonates in a state with unique demographics. Replicating rural gains in deeper red rural regions – like the Midwest or the Great Plains – requires overcoming decades of perceived democratic neglect.

Democrats have already lost their bid for a rural seat in Tennessee. Republican candidate Matt Van Epps defeated Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn for incumbent Republican Rep. Mark Green’s vacant seat on December 2. Van Epps’ district is a quintessential red stronghold, stretching from parts of Nashville to rural Tennessee. Republicans have historically dominated here. Still, Democrats rolled out their new pro-affordability campaign strategy in hopes of an upset.

In the end, Van Epps beat Behn by 9 points. Although narrower than Trump’s 22-point victory over Harris, Van Epps’ victory showed a flaw in the Democrats’ new plan.

Nicholas Jacobs and Daniel Shea note in their 2023 book: The rural voter: the politics of place and America’s disunitythat perceptions of Democratic indifference run deep among rural voters. Authenticity and a sustained presence are needed to rebuild trust, not ad buys or sporadic listening tours. These voters still remember what happened to their family farms and rural communities after elite-driven trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which devastated local economies, imposed regulatory burdens on agriculture, and created cultural disconnects.

Rural Americans deserve to be seen, heard and supported. This doesn’t happen in DC

Democrats can change that – and we plan to. https://t.co/zilveS3ubr

–Andy Beshear (@AndyBeshearKY) December 9, 2025

Moreover, the opportunity cost for Democrats is staggering. Midterm elections historically favor the opposition, but only if resources are deployed effectively. Hijacking eight-figure elections to erode margins in unwinnable rural districts dilutes efforts in competitive suburbs or urban turnout operations where Democrats are more likely to generate positive voter support. Democrats even admit that rural communities won’t be a goldmine of votes on Election Day. They are simply seeking to reduce Trump’s 80+ margins.

The real reason Democrats are touting this campaign strategy and Politico is giving them the opportunity to do so is because it keeps donors engaged. This is performative politics for elites sitting in their offices, visualizing narratives of Democratic forays into Trump country to generate media buzz.

The problem is that he’s scattering a bruised and battered Democratic Party, still recovering after 2024. They’re luring millions away from winnable suburbs or strengthening their base, all for marginal erosion in places they’ll never unseat. This Politico story offers false hope for the post-2024 era that Democrats were hoping to raise much-needed funds from donors, but which could in turn lose real opportunities elsewhere. (ROOKE: Trump admin sends much-needed lifeline to American farmers just in time)

This is not to say that Republicans should not remain vigilant in their duty to support rural America. After all, complacency is why Republicans were able to win over blue-collar workers after decades of staunch pro-Democratic leadership. It is now more important than ever for the Republican Party to achieve tangible results. It’s the only way to keep their huge rural block safe.

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