- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Indianola Today
By the People, for the People
Sen. Elissa Slotkin Connects with Trump Voters in Iowa
Democratic senator explores ways to win back Midwest voters ahead of crucial midterms
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:53am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
In a moment of quiet contemplation, a Democratic senator seeks to understand the concerns of rural voters in the Midwest.Indianola TodayU.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, spent time in Iowa this week meeting with a group of President Trump's supporters to better understand their concerns and what it might take for the Democratic Party to win back parts of the Midwest. Slotkin, who represents Michigan, described the Democratic Party as having forgotten about the middle of the country and spending too much time rehashing old fights.
Why it matters
Slotkin's outreach to Trump voters in Iowa highlights the Democratic Party's efforts to reconnect with rural and working-class voters in swing states ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. As the party looks to regain its footing in the Midwest, Slotkin's willingness to engage directly with Trump supporters could provide valuable insights into how Democrats can craft a more effective message and strategy for winning back these crucial voters.
The details
During the discussion, Slotkin peppered the five Iowa voters with questions about divisiveness in U.S. politics and issues affecting their communities. She also asked what it would take for them to consider voting for a Democrat, as the group had supported Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. Slotkin described the Democratic Party as having forgotten about the middle of the country and spending too much time rehashing old fights, and said she is interested in being part of the 'next generation who's going to rehab the Democratic brand'.
- On Tuesday, Slotkin spent the afternoon supporting Democratic congressional candidates in Iowa.
- Slotkin held a town hall in Ohio on Wednesday.
The players
Elissa Slotkin
A U.S. Senator from Michigan and a potential Democratic 2028 presidential contender.
Donald Trump
The former U.S. President whom the group of Iowa voters supported over Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.
Kamala Harris
The current U.S. Vice President whom the group of Iowa voters did not support in 2024.
Ed Klavins
A retiree from Urbandale, Iowa who participated in the focus group with Slotkin and was paid $200 plus lunch to be there.
What they’re saying
“'What would have gotten you to actually consider a Democrat?'”
— Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator
“'She's trying to figure out what she can do differently to have a better chance of getting reelected and maybe higher office.'”
— Ed Klavins, Retiree
“'I like her.'”
— Ed Klavins, Retiree
What’s next
Slotkin plans to continue her outreach to voters in swing states and traditionally important nominating states as she considers a potential 2028 presidential run, though she has not made any official announcement.
The takeaway
Slotkin's willingness to directly engage with Trump supporters in Iowa demonstrates the Democratic Party's efforts to reconnect with rural and working-class voters in the Midwest. Her openness to hearing their concerns and exploring ways to win them back could provide valuable insights as the party works to craft a more effective message and strategy for the 2022 midterms and beyond.
