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Rural Democrats, DNC Rural Council
Rural Democrats, DNC Rural Council

Rural voices,
Rural power!

We are the Democratic National Committee's council dedicated to rural organizing. We bridge the gap between national Democrats and the small-town communities that power our democracy.

Get startedWhat we do

Our mission

We are dedicated to empowering ruralcommunities through organized, accessible, and civic-minded engagement. We believe rural voicesare essential to the Democratic Party and work tirelessly to ensure every rural voter has the toolsand support needed to show up and be heard.

Americans live in rural areas
66.3M
of the U.S. population is rural, one in five
20%
state affiliates
26

Population figures:U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census.

Our work areas

Bringing the party to the people

From voter outreach to supporting local candidates, we are dedicated to rural organizing.

  1. A volunteer with a clipboard talking with a farmer on his porch
    01

    Voter Outreach

    We bring the party to the people. Democrats live, work and worship in small towns and farming communities across America and work together to educate residents on their rights and voter registration.

    Learn more
  2. Neighbors listening at a community meeting in a small-town grange hall
    02

    State Chapter Support

    We provide state chapters with the resources they need to stay strong. From training to strategic planning, we help rural Democrats organize and grow their presence.

    Learn more
  3. A local candidate shaking hands with a farmer at a county fair
    03

    Local Candidates

    We empower local candidates with the tools to win. From grassroots organizing to media outreach, we provide the support needed to represent rural voices in Washington.

    Learn more

Our priorities

Advocating for rural America

We are dedicated to ensuring that the voices of rural communities are heard in the halls of power.

A farmer in a straw hat resting his hand on a fence post at the edge of his soybean field
01 / 04

Agriculture

Supporting farmers and ranchers through fair trade policies and sustainable practices for our future.

A teenager doing homework on a laptop at a farmhouse kitchen table
02 / 04

Infrastructure

Advocating for all communities to ensure access to education, modern healthcare and world-class infrastructure.

A nurse checking an elderly rancher’s blood pressure in a rural clinic
03 / 04

Healthcare

Advocating for affordable, accessible healthcare that meets the unique needs of our rural neighbors.

A shop owner standing in the doorway of her hardware store on a small-town main street
04 / 04

Economic Growth

Investing in small-town economic development to create jobs and strengthen our local communities.

Explore
our work

Our leadership

Led by organizers

A dedicated team of rural organizers and community leaders working together to ensure every small-town voice is heard.

Meet the council

  • Kendall Scudder

  • Leon Brathwaite

  • Kerrigan Sanders

  • Lucas Fralick

  • Coleman Eldridge

  • Debra Kozikowski

  • Robert Kresslein

  • Julie Fryer

  • Dennis Olson

  • Wendy Davis

  • Kim Schmith

  • Brenda Knapp

Get involved

Build a stronger future for small towns

  1. 01Sign up for UpdatesSign up to receive updates about the work of the DNC Rural Council, and join in the grassroots work to build out our national Democratic rural network.
  2. 02Volunteer LocallyHelp us reach rural voters by joining our organizing efforts and attending our community meetings and events.
  3. 03Join a State AffiliateConnect with the rural council affiliate in your state to find the next steps for engaging in the Democratic Party in your community.