29 May 202230 Nov 2024 by Forgottonia Project

Election Results in the Forgottonia Region (2000-2024)

Understanding the political landscape of rural western Illinois

To better understand the 16-county region historically referred to as Forgottonia, we continue to compile and analyze election data for key races: President, Senate, Governor, and U.S. Congress. While our project does not endorse any political party or policy, these insights offer a deeper understanding of the region’s evolving political identity. By examining trends and outcomes, we can gain a clearer picture of the social, economic, and cultural forces shaping Forgottonia.

Overview of Trends

Forgottonia’s election results over the last 20 years reveal a noticeable and consistent shift toward the Republican Party, reflecting broader national trends in rural and small-town America. This pattern, evident well before the 2016 election, underscores the enduring themes of resentment and alienation within the region—feelings that echo the original Forgottonia movement of the 1970s.

Our findings suggest that while specific policies or social causes may play a role, a greater driving factor for this shift appears to be the desire for rural voices to be acknowledged and respected. Republican candidates, particularly President Donald Trump, have resonated with these sentiments, as evidenced by Trump’s increasing share of votes in Forgottonia.

Key Findings

Our analysis covers the following elections:

Presidential Elections (2000–2024): 7 cycles
Gubernatorial Elections (2000–2022): 6 cycles
U.S. Senate Elections (2010–2022): 5 cycles
Congressional Elections (2010–2024): Reflecting districts including the former 18th and current 13th, 15th, and 17th.

Notable Observations:

Unity in Presidential Elections: The 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections marked the only instances in the past 20 years where all 16 counties favored one candidate: Donald Trump.
Urban-Rural Divide: Consistent with broader trends, small-town and rural voters in Forgottonia are more likely to support Republican candidates, driven by concerns over economic decline, perceived neglect, and cultural identity.
Expanded Support for Trump in 2024: Trump continued to increase his share of the vote in all 16 counties, showcasing his resonance with rural voters in this region.

Insights Behind the Numbers

Resentment and Alienation: Feelings of being overlooked by urban-centric policies and media dominate rural political narratives.
Social Class and Identity Politics: Many rural residents perceive a widening gap between themselves and urban elites, fueling a sense of injustice.
Desire to Be Heard: Above all, the electorate’s choices reflect a plea for acknowledgment, rather than strict adherence to ideological platforms.

Additional Takeaways

14 of the 16 counties consistently supported Republican candidates for President, Senate, Congress, and Governor over the past two decades.
2 counties occasionally favored Democratic candidates but remain exceptions.
5 counties have unanimously voted Republican across all key races.

Moving Forward

These findings are not just about documenting votes; they offer valuable lessons for policymakers, community leaders, and citizens seeking to address regional challenges. Strategies focused on economic revitalization, civic engagement, and inclusive dialogue could bridge divides and build a stronger, more connected Forgottonia.

Explore Our Full Report

Our complete analysis of Forgottonia’s election results is available for download below. Additionally, we continue to update this data following every election cycle. For those interested in the nuances of local races, future projects may examine how political trends play out in county and city elections, where party affiliation often carries less weight.