Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's Strategy for Democrats to Win Rural America

Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump, are employing strategies like gerrymandering to shape the 2026 midterm elections in their favor. This effort is aided by the trend of rural voters increasingly shifting away from the Democratic Party, which has long faced disadvantages in Senate and Electoral College representation from these areas. However, these challenges do not have to dictate the future of Democrats in rural America.

In a recent Washington Post op-ed titled This slap in the face to rural America is a chance to turn it blue, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear emphasized that Democrats must go beyond simply discussing the issues facing rural communities and instead present a vision for what these communities could become. Beshear wrote, Tackling affordability is not enough. To truly lead again, Democrats must be the party of aspiration. Democrats are good at explaining our what. Lets get good at explaining our why.

This weekend, Beshear will be sworn in as the head of the Democratic Governors Association, a position reflecting his unique role as a Democratic leader in a predominantly Republican state. Since winning the governorship in 2019 by just over 5,000 votes in a state Trump carried by 30 points in 2016, Beshear has grown increasingly popular, securing reelection in 2023. While it remains uncertain whether he will pursue higher office after his term ends in 2027, he is poised to influence the partys approach to reclaiming rural voters.

Understanding Modern Rural America

Beshear highlighted that rural communities are often misunderstood as being primarily agricultural. In reality, sectors like healthcare have become major economic drivers in rural Kentucky. Our fastest growing industry in rural Kentucky is health care, Beshear noted. He warned that policies reducing access to healthcare can ripple through the local economy, affecting hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other small businesses.

To revitalize rural economies, Beshear stressed the importance of intentional investment in infrastructure and job creation. Examples in Kentucky include the establishment of a green paper plant creating over 300 jobs and the construction of large battery facilities in small towns. These initiatives demonstrate how targeted investments can create rural employment opportunities comparable to urban areas.

Balancing Jobs and Sustainability

Beshear believes that job creation transcends political affiliation. Green and sustainable industries can provide well-paying jobs in rural areas, satisfying both economic and environmental goals. Every company that comes to Kentucky wants affordability, reliability, and sustainability. We need greener jobs, because thats what the private sector and ultimately consumers are demanding, he explained.

Improving Democratic Messaging

Reflecting on past Democratic efforts, Beshear emphasized the need for visible, tangible results in rural communities. Simply passing legislation is not enough; Democrats must ensure people see the outcomes of policies in their daily lives. Programs like broadband expansion must deliver quickly to maintain credibility and address urgent needs. Streamlining regulatory and permitting processes can help speed up these transformations while still respecting environmental and safety standards.

Addressing Policy Challenges

Beshear criticized recent federal policies that complicate life for rural Americans, from tariffs increasing housing costs to healthcare reductions and SNAP program changes. He argued that Democrats have an opportunity to offer a compelling alternative by focusing on everyday needs and the promise of economic mobility. Affordability isnt enough. We need to talk about the American dream, where people can get ahead and provide better futures for their families, he said.

Agriculture and Trade Concerns

Tariffs and trade policies have hurt U.S. farmers, including soybean and corn growers, as well as the bourbon industry dependent on domestic grain. Beshear called for policies that prioritize American families and rural economies over partisan interests, emphasizing that the focus should be on creating a sustainable and prosperous economy for all.

Looking Ahead

As the new leader of the Democratic Governors Association, Beshear plans to focus on electing Democrats nationwide and reclaiming rural support. He aims to expand the electoral map in 2028, providing more opportunities for the partys message to reach Americans in previously overlooked regions. Well have an expanded map where our candidate can compete in more places and get their message out to more Americans, Beshear concluded.

Author: Zoe Harrison