NPR recently spoke with young people across rural America, and their message couldn't be clearer: They feel invisible – unseen by the elected officials that represent them.

What they shared is the reality that so many young rural families live on a daily basis: two jobs, long hours, and still not enough at the end of the month to keep up with rising costs of groceries, utilities, and healthcare.

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One young dad in rural Virginia said something that stopped me in my tracks: "I'm tired of voting for who I hate least. I want someone to inspire me." That's not frustration – that''s a cry for real leaders to address real issues. And it should put every Democrat who wants to win in rural America on notice. These voters aren't turning away because they're conservative – they're turning away because they're exhausted and no one in Washington seems to be fighting for them.

So, we stepped up to change it.

We're listening to rural Americans, telling their stories honestly, and pushing our leaders to finally take these struggles seriously. If you believe rural perspectives deserve a seat at the table, I'm asking you to chip in $3 before our end-of-quarter deadline.

Young rural voters aren't looking for slogans or shiny promises. They want an honest shot at the American Dream they grew up hearing about from their parents and grandparents. They want leaders who know what financial insecurity feels like and are willing to do something about it.

If Democrats don't show up for them, someone else will, and we've already seen how dangerous that can be.

We cannot afford to fall short this quarter. Not now. Not with 2026 approaching in a couple of days. If you can, please chip in $3 today and keep up the fight for rural families to be seen, heard, and respected.

Heidi

Heidi Heitkamp, Former U.S. Senator for North Dakota
Founder, One Country Project