Midwestern Voter Shifts: Harris-Walz Duo Stirs Rural Wisconsin

David Mattison, a retired postal worker from Wisconsin, feels a renewed connection to the Democratic ticket after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a fellow Midwesterner, joins Kamala Harris as a running mate. Reuters interviews illustrate Walz's potential sway among rural voters, despite some skepticism about his policies and actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Mattison, a retired postal worker, has long observed the decline of family farms and small businesses in rural Wisconsin. Initially detached from this year's presidential election, he found renewed interest after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was announced as Kamala Harris' running mate. Despite being open to conservative candidates, Mattison disapproves of Donald Trump's divisive tactics and connects with Walz's Midwestern roots and background.

Harris' campaign bets on Walz's relatable life story to appeal to white rural voters, a demographic that overwhelmingly favored Trump in previous elections. Reuters interviewed 40 voters in northwest Wisconsin—a critical battleground area. While many had already made up their minds, a few, including Mattison, were swayed toward the Democratic ticket by Walz's addition.

However, the task is challenging in the Midwest, where an older, whiter, and more blue-collar electorate favors Trump. Incremental shifts among white working-class voters could prove decisive in battleground states. Trump holds an edge among white, non-college-educated voters, while Harris leads with college-educated, Black, and young voters. Harris aims to mobilize diverse urban turnouts, but Walz's background might help engage skeptical rural voters.

(With inputs from agencies.)