Rural communities across the country that played a crucial role in Donald Trump’s 2024 victory are now facing significant economic challenges as a result of policies implemented by his administration. The outcome of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, which took place on Tuesday, will provide insight into the impact of these challenges on the president and the GOP.
Brad Schimel, a conservative-backed candidate in Wisconsin, is heavily reliant on strong support from rural areas where President Trump had significant success in 2024. However, many voters in these rural communities are feeling the effects of White House policies that are directly impacting their livelihoods, such as retaliatory tariffs on agricultural goods and a freeze on funding from the Agriculture Department.
The GOP in Wisconsin is making a concerted effort to rally support in these rural areas, with a robust ground game and the support of tech billionaire Elon Musk. The outcome of the Supreme Court race will largely depend on the level of support Schimel receives from these rural voters, who were crucial in securing victories for conservative candidates in the past.
The White House is closely monitoring the Wisconsin election, recognizing its significance in determining the partisan balance of the court. President Trump and Elon Musk have both actively campaigned for Schimel, underscoring the importance of this race in shaping the political landscape of the state.
One of the key issues facing Wisconsin’s rural economy is the impact of retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada on various agricultural products. Farmers in the state are feeling the uncertainty created by these policies, unsure of what the future holds for their businesses. The latest polling data indicates that a majority of voters in rural Wisconsin believe that tariffs are detrimental to the economy.
The stakes of the Supreme Court race extend beyond partisan politics for farmers in Wisconsin. The outcome of the election could have a significant impact on their access to clean water, with a case under consideration potentially limiting the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to enforce environmental regulations.
The challenges facing rural America are not unique to Wisconsin, as farmers across the country are feeling the effects of tariffs and funding freezes. While some lawmakers acknowledge the risks associated with the administration’s policies, others continue to support Musk and his efforts to streamline government operations, even if it comes at a cost to their constituents.
In the face of economic uncertainty and political divisions, rural communities are at the forefront of a critical moment in American democracy. The outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race will serve as a bellwether for the upcoming midterm elections and the direction of the country as a whole. Farmers across the country are facing uncertainty and stress as they navigate the terms of unfrozen USDA funds. Recipients have been given a 30-day window to “voluntarily revise” their project plans to align with the Trump administration’s elimination of DEI and climate mandates. This requirement has left many farmers scrambling to make adjustments to their plans for installing solar panels or energy efficiency upgrades.
One farmer, Harris, reached out to Resnick for assistance with releasing the funding, expressing the importance of DOGE’s efforts in slashing the deficit, achieving energy independence, securing borders, and returning to prosperity. Harris emphasized the need for support from Congress to reverse reckless spending from failed Biden programs while preserving vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
In Pennsylvania, another distressed farmer contacted Senator Dave McCormick, who praised DOGE’s work as a crucial step towards reducing unnecessary government spending. McCormick, a strong advocate for Pennsylvania’s agriculture community, reassured the farmer that their efforts were valued and supported.
Meanwhile, Republicans in Wisconsin are feeling confident about the upcoming Supreme Court race. GOP chair Peter Church in Adams County highlighted the strong position of the Schimel campaign, noting that voters are focused on supporting Brad Schimel, the red side in the nonpartisan race. Church emphasized that key issues like abortion and tariffs were not dominating discussions among red voters in the region.
As farmers and politicians navigate the challenges of accessing USDA funds and preparing for upcoming elections, the agricultural community remains hopeful for support and stability in the face of changing policies and priorities. Shia Kapos contributed to this report, providing valuable insights into the current landscape of agriculture and politics.
