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Economic Frustration Tests Trump’s Standing with Rural Voters, New AP-KFF Poll Finds
About half of rural voters say the economy is worse off now, and only 17% see Trump administration health policies helping their costs, the survey found.
- An AP-KFF poll of 2,241 rural voters conducted Aug. 12-24, 2026, reveals deep economic frustration among this key group, though President Donald Trump maintains 48% approval despite a slight dip from 56%.
- Three-Quarters of rural voters rate their community's cost of living as "only fair" or "poor," a 25 percentage point rise from a similar 2017 survey, reflecting decades of lower wages for rural Americans.
- Only 17% of voters report a "positive impact" from Trump's healthcare policies, while 41% say they experienced "no impact" and another 41% report a "negative impact" on their costs.
- Democratic candidates may benefit more from rural Republicans staying home than switching parties, an outcome that could influence competitive Senate races in Ohio and Michigan this November.
- Healthcare costs and gas prices rank as top economic worries for rural voters, with nine in 10 saying it is "extremely" or "very" important for candidates to address these expenses.
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New AP-KFF survey reveals broad economic frustration among rural voters, a group that has been key for Trump and the GOP – WTOP News
WASHINGTON (AP) — New AP-KFF survey reveals broad economic frustration among rural voters, a group that has been key for Trump and the GOP.
·Chevy Chase, United States
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KFF Health NewsReposted by 
Country Herald
Country HeraldEconomic Frustration Tests Trump’s Standing With Rural Voters, New KFF-AP Poll Finds
Rural voters rank the cost of living and cost of healthcare as top issues they want to hear about from midterm candidates as they face a tightening pocketbook pinch.
·San Francisco, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left11Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 45%
Factuality
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