In a bid to secure the support of rural America, President Joe Biden’s administration has poured significant funding into infrastructure projects across the nation. Rhiannon Hampson, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s top rural development official in Maine, has observed an unprecedented surge in infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of the century-old Ticonic Bridge in Waterville and upgrades to the Presque Isle airport, all funded by Biden’s bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure law.
However, despite these visible improvements, many rural Americans remain unaware of the extent of the investments. Rural communities, which account for one in five Americans, have traditionally leaned towards Republican candidates, posing a formidable challenge for Biden’s 2024 reelection campaign.
To bridge this gap and appeal to rural voters, the Biden campaign plans an aggressive outreach effort in key swing states like North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Maine, where rural voters make up a significant portion of the electorate. Yet, obstacles abound, including years of rural neglect, skepticism about government spending, and divisions over social issues.
Former President Donald Trump made significant gains with rural voters, increasing his support from 59% in 2016 to 65% in 2020. In the 2022 midterm elections, Republicans captured 69% of the rural vote. These figures underscore the challenges facing the Biden administration.
To combat this, Democrats are intensifying their messaging in rural areas, emphasizing the billions of dollars in federal funding allocated to rural development initiatives, including health systems, clean-energy agriculture, rural electrification, and clean energy projects.
However, despite their efforts, skepticism remains high among rural Americans. Inflation concerns and rising gasoline prices, which disproportionately affect rural communities, overshadow the positive aspects of Biden’s policies. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that 60% of Americans disapprove of Biden’s handling of inflation.
Rural communities also exhibit lower levels of educational attainment, with only 21% of working-age adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 37% in urban areas. This education gap further contributes to the rural-urban political divide.
While the Biden administration sees potential in addressing rural America’s needs and challenges, it remains to be seen whether these efforts can translate into electoral support in the upcoming 2024 election. With rural voters holding significant sway in crucial swing states, the battle for their support will continue to be a central focus of American politics.
