Headline: New York Times, 1/8/2024
The rural reaches of Iowa now look politically similar to rural stretches in any state, from New York to Alabama to Oregon. And rural voters simply appreciated what Mr. Trump did for them, said Neil Shaffer, who chairs the Republican Party of Howard County, Iowa. Located along the Minnesota border, it was the only county in the nation to give both Mr. Obama and Mr. Trump 20-percentage-point victories.
Iowans like outsiders, and Mr. Obama’s charisma was winning, Mr. Shaffer said. But the self-employed farmers and small-business owners of Howard County were burdened by the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration’s regulation of fresh water runoff, and depressed commodity prices.
There was skepticism of Mr. Trump and his abrasive, big-city behavior, Mr. Shaffer said, “but there’s that individual spirit in the Midwest that likes the Don Quixote railing against the big bad government, And people knew what they were getting.”
After 4 years of Trump chaos in the White House, Howard County voters doubled down.
Source: Wikipedia
Howard County's population peaked at 14,512 in 1900. The county currently has fewer residents now than it did in 1880.
Howard County is overwhelming white. In addition, its residents are, on average, less educated and older. Which makes it a prime MAGA target.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts
% of population 25 and older with bachelor's degree:
- 19.2% - Howard County
- 30.3% - Iowa
- 33.7% - U.S.
% of population 65 and older:
- 20.6% - Howard County
- 18.3% - Iowa
- 16.8% - U.S.
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