( NewsNation ) — The outcome of the 2024 election in Illinois isn’t really in doubt. It’s considered one of the most reliably blue states in the country, giving its Electoral College votes to Democrats for more than 30 years.
When NewsNation asked its Decision Desk HQ team for a more detailed breakout, though, it showed that much of the state, around 75%, consists of farmland. In these rural areas, a majority of people typically vote for Republicans.
One Southern Illinois farmer told NewsNation he doesn’t mind getting up before dawn and spending long days in the fields.
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Matt Rush of Fairfield’s grandfather moved to this farm in 1918, and his family’s been there ever since.
“We farm corn, soybeans and wheat, and we raise cattle,” Rush said. “But what we’re most proud of is raising our family on a family farm.”
Rush says he’s used to having presidential elections decided by the voters in the Chicago area. What bothers him is feeling like he and his neighbors aren’t getting fair representation.