From the White House to the county courthouse, we have you covered on rural politics and policy. Look no further for election analysis and rural voter data, reporting on how policymakers and federal programs are aiming to serve rural communities, or simply the many roles rural people and places play in democracy and civic life.
Study: Rural, Urban Communities Agree on More Issues Than Expected, but Differences Remain
A survey found that urban and rural communities feel similarly on a large number of political and economic issues, with inflation being a number one concern for both.
More RUral Politics and Government Stories
Q&A: How Does Geography Play a Part in Rural Identity and Politics?
Rural people have often been ascribed with a resentment toward nonrural communities that bleeds into rural identity and politics. Political scientist Kal Munis explains why this is the case.
Rural Voters Shift Toward Democrat in Kentucky Governor’s Race
Incumbent Andy Beshear won reelection and gained ground with rural voters in a state that went for Donald Trump by 25 points in 2020.
Rural Voters Swing More than 20 Points from Trump in 2020 to Abortion Rights in 2023
Donald Trump won Ohio by 8 points, but Republicans failed to block an abortion-rights amendment to the state constitution. Rural voters were among the groups with the largest shift from 2020.
Rural Health Care Figures Prominently in 2023’s Limited Political Races
The importance of health care in campaigns this year could mean a broader debate in 2024, when the nation will vote for a much larger range of federal and state offices.
Featured Coverage
Stay in the loop on rural politics and policy.
Even More to Explore In Rural Politics and Government
Rural Voters in Swing States Present Untapped Potential, New Poll Suggests
New poll shows rural areas contain a much higher number of swingable voters than strategists might expect.
House Speaker Debacle Could Spell Trouble for Republicans in 2024
The GOP’s failure to promptly nominate a new Speaker of the House is indicative of larger disunity within the party, and carries far-reaching policy concerns along with it.
Q&A: Carbondale, Illinois’ New Councilwoman Fits Right into this “Ungovernable” Rural Region
Southern Illinois is “rowdy” in nature, according to Carbondale’s new city councilwoman, Clare Killman. It’s a quality she loves.
Commentary: Democrat’s ‘Uphill Climb’ to Governor’s Office Runs through Rural Mississippi
With personal appeal, an unassailable working-class background, and strong stances on popular issues, Brandon Presley may have a shot in the Mississippi governor’s race. Could Elvis Presley’s second cousin help bridge the nation’s political divide?
Progressives Hope ‘Rural New Deal’ Will Address Economic Issues and Appeal to Voters
Organizers see the document as a blueprint for rebuilding trust with rural voters and focusing the Democratic Party on key rural issues.
Study: Rural Communities Still at Disadvantage When Competing for Govt. Grants
Despite efforts by the Biden Administration to level the playing field for low-capacity communities, applying for government funding remains a tougher challenge for rural communities.