GOP works to convince rural voters to stick with them amid high cost of living

Published October 8, 2026 7:00am ET | Updated October 8, 2026 9:01am ET



Republicans are downplaying the possibility that Democrats could win over enough rural voters to flip the House and Senate in the midterm election cycle.

President Donald Trump won roughly 7 in 10 rural voters in 2024, but two years later, discontent over his tariff policies, the Iran war, and the high cost of living has the GOP worried such voters could stay home on Election Day or defect to Democrats.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.