Democracy, Government, and the Economy Are Broken for Too Many Americans
Especially those living in rural communities and working-class America.
The problems we face today are interconnected.
Democracy
A thriving democracy depends on information, participation, and competition.
Today, those foundations are weakening.
As of 2024–2025:
- 70% of elections for elected office were uncontested in 2024, leaving millions of Americans without meaningful choices at the ballot box.
- More than 80% of U.S. counties—over 2,500 communities—have fewer than 100,000 residents, and nearly half have populations below 25,000.
- In 2025, roughly half of Americans reported feeling angry toward both major political parties, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the current political system.
- Many rural communities have lost local newspapers, independent media, and civic organizations that help people stay informed and engaged.
Without trusted information and competitive elections, democracy cannot thrive.
Government
Government works best when it reflects the people it serves.
Today, significant representation gaps remain.
As of 2025:
- 74% of Congress was white, while only 58% of Americans identified as non-Hispanic white.
- Women held just 28% of congressional seats and 33.5% of state legislative seats.
- Only 16 United States Senators belonged to racial or ethnic minority groups.
- LGBTQ+ elected officials represented less than 0.3% of elected leaders nationwide.
- Twenty-three states operated under Republican trifectas, sixteen under Democratic trifectas, and eleven had divided government.
- Nineteen states will hold United States Senate elections in both 2026 and 2028, creating unique opportunities to strengthen representation. 11 are republican trifecta’s, 5 are divided.
Communities deserve leaders who reflect their experiences and remain accountable to the people they serve.
Economy
Strong communities require broad-based prosperity.
Yet economic wealth is increasingly concentrated.
As of 2025:
- The wealthiest 1% of Americans held more than twelve times the wealth of the bottom half of the country combined.
- The bottom 50% of Americans owned only about 2.5% of the nation’s wealth.
Economic opportunity should not depend on where someone lives.
Every family deserves the opportunity to build a good life.