“In Forgottonia, political concerns run deep and personal. They’re about survival, identity, and fairness. Whether it’s fixing roads, supporting farmers, or amplifying rural voices, these issues remind us why local perspectives matter in national debates.”
Objectives
In this episode, we explore the unprecedented political shift in western Illinois, a region known as Forgottonia, where all 16 counties voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. We’ll analyze the factors behind this strong alignment with Trump’s brand of politics, including economic concerns, cultural alienation, and a desire for political disruption. By looking at data, historical context, and current trends, we’ll uncover why rural voters in this part of Illinois—and in broader rural America—have rallied around Trump in successive elections.
Questions to Consider:
- What are the underlying economic and cultural reasons for Trump’s strong support in rural regions like Forgottonia?
- How do issues like infrastructure, broadband access, and agriculture shape local political identities?
- What role does historical neglect and economic anxiety play in fueling support for political candidates in rural regions?
- Can the Democratic Party reconnect with rural voters, or will the Republican hold on regions like Forgottonia grow even stronger?
Potential Sources to Learn More:
- Forgottonia Election Results – Information for all 16 counties on Presidential, Senate, and U.S. Congressional Voting Trends since 2000
- Pew Research Center – For data on rural voting trends and demographic shifts.
- Nicholas Jacobs and Daniel Shea, The Rural Voter – For insights into the concept of “place-based anxiety” in rural America.
- Katherine Cramer, The Politics of Resentment – For an in-depth look at how rural Americans perceive urban policy priorities.
- Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs –
- Anthony Flaccavento, Building a Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up – For strategies on supporting rural economies through locally-driven solutions.
The Forgottonia Project 