In this episode of By the Ballot, Matt breaks down one of the most important lessons from Virginia’s 2025 elections—and a roadmap for Democrats heading into 2026 and beyond: we can’t win lasting majorities without Rural America.
Virginia’s results shattered old assumptions. Democrats didn’t just win back the governor’s mansion—they built the largest legislative majority in 36 years. And they did it by showing up everywhere: fielding candidates in all 100 House districts, investing in local infrastructure, and empowering rural organizers to become the party’s megaphones.
Matt unpacks how rural districts helped deliver that victory, why local candidates created “reverse coattails,” and what it means for national strategy moving forward. From rebuilding precinct-level organizing to tackling real rural priorities—right to repair, broadband, fair agriculture, and FEMA reform—this episode explores how Democrats can rebuild trust where it’s been lost and power where it’s been ignored.
