December 10, 2024
Rural America Has Spoken, But Are We Listening?
IRG goes deep with Rural Wisconsinites to gain a deeper appreciation
and develop a policy roadmap.
DELAFIELD, WI: Continuing the Institute for Reforming Government’s (IRG) “What Wisconsin Wants” series, IRG partnered with the State Policy Network (SPN) and spent 2024 capturing the views and taking a closer look at those living and working in rural Wisconsin. This is captured in our new report, “What Wisconsin Wants: Going in Depth with Rural Wisconsin Voters.”
Key Takeaway: Rural Wisconsin politically swings back and forth, sometimes dramatically and quickly. But what explains this back and forth? It’s not necessarily ideology or party lines that drives rural voters. Rather, it is a desire for less government, more economic opportunity, and freedom to pursue the life they seek. And perhaps contrary to what we may stereotypically think, it means rural voters are open to legalizing cannabis and want the freedom to make personal decisions even on issues like abortion. Depending on the importance of a particular issue in a given cycle and who they think will deliver, rural Wisconsin swings from red to blue and vice versa. They even vote for President Trump and Senator Baldwin on the same ballot.
Our Findings: Illustrate a philosophy of life rather than a political affiliation
Priorities ranked 1-3, with the THREE that are most important to you
- Reducing crime: 37%
- Property tax cuts: 36%
- Better roads: 30%
- Protecting the environment: 27%
Rural Wisconsin is center-right:
- They favored former President Trump, but leaned slightly toward Governor Evers, and the Hovde/Baldwin race was a toss-up, ultimately going to Senator Tammy Baldwin.
- Favor right to work 60% to 40%.
- 56% seek less housing regulation over relying upon subsidized housing for new homes.
- 54% would like to see the elimination of the income tax.
But they also are not afraid to have opinions that challenge conventional conservative views.
- Only 7% favor an abortion ban,
- 65% favor legalizing cannabis.
- 72% favor increasing funding for their public school with just 28% seeking a taxpayer funded voucher for a private school.
- 51% favor expanding government healthcare for those with lower incomes.
Why it Matters: Rural voters are critical to passing conservative reforms in Wisconsin, but are we listening to what they want?
- Create economic opportunity and upward mobility for rural Wisconsinites
- Respect their personal decisions.
- Ensure safe neighborhoods, good roads, low taxes, and a respect for the environment.
- Foster a government that provides for strong schools and ensures there is a safety net for those in need
The Quote: “These reports are a must-read for anyone wanting a greater understanding of rural voters and what they care about. Often stereotyped and misunderstood, rural voters want someone who will work to improve the state rather than play politics or forget about constituents after the election. These two reports set forth a roadmap for anyone looking to capture the ongoing support of rural voters.” – CJ Szafir, CEO, Institute for Reforming Government
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The Institute for Reforming Government is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that seeks to simplify government at every level by offering policy solutions to thought leaders in American government in the areas of tax reform, government inefficiency, and burdensome regulations.