The recent analysis by the Rural Policy Institute highlights significant shifts in Wisconsin’s legislative representation under newly implemented voting maps. With more legislators now representing rural areas, these changes may have substantial implications for policymaking in 2025 and beyond.
The study categorizes Wisconsin communities into four types—urban, suburban, rural, and rural-adjacent—revealing a population breakdown of 40% urban, 25% rural, 19% suburban, and 16% rural-adjacent. Importantly, the report notes that rural Wisconsin has seen a reversal in long-term population decline, with growth outpacing metro areas between 2020 and 2023. This trend may reflect a post-pandemic shift, as residents moved away from urban centers.
The new voting districts, which went into effect with November’s election, have created more “blended” districts that incorporate diverse community types. Jason Mugnaini of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation emphasized the need for legislators to prioritize rural issues in these mixed districts, warning of potential risks if rural concerns, such as broadband access and agricultural regulations, are overshadowed by urban and suburban interests.
The Farm Bureau, a traditionally Republican-aligned organization, sees both opportunities and challenges in this new political landscape. The loss of key GOP legislators who were strong advocates for rural and agricultural interests underscores the importance of cultivating new champions for these issues.
Ultimately, the extent to which these changes benefit rural Wisconsin will depend on the actions and priorities of the newly elected legislators. The study serves as a call to action for policymakers to ensure balanced representation and support for rural communities across the state.