For decades, Appalachia has been dismissed as a political monolith, written off as a stronghold of conservative values. Yet, those who know this regionƵs history (and its people) understand that a progressive spirit runs deep in these hills and hollers. From West VirginiaƵs historic labor uprisings to its long tradition of class consciousness, Appalachia has a proud legacy of standing up for workers, fairness, and economic justice. ItƵs time for Democrats in Appalachia to honor that legacy by embracing a progressive approach in both messaging and candidate selection.
West Virginia, in particular, is a state with a storied history of fighting back against exploitation. The Battle of Blair Mountain and other labor struggles highlight a region that once led the way in demanding better wages, safer working conditions, and dignity for workers. These struggles werenƵt led by moderates Ƶ they were fought and won by bold, unapologetic progressives who understood the power of solidarity.
Yet, somewhere along the way, that progressive momentum faded. Democrats shifted to centrist messaging, chasing an elusive Ƶmiddle groundƵ that often sacrificed the bold ideas and grassroots connection that Appalachians once rallied behind. Ƶ a result, the region has become fertile ground for politicians who exploit divisions and sell out working people while promising nothing more than empty rhetoric.
The truth is, Appalachians care deeply about the same issues progressives champion: education, infrastructure, health care, and economic opportunity. IƵve seen this firsthand. Over three election cycles, IƵve canvassed across my own community in Eastern Kentucky, going door-to-door, attending community events, and listening to thousands of voters. When I asked what mattered most, the answers were remarkably consistent: better schools, safer roads, access to quality health care, and more jobs that pay a living wage.
Even when speaking with Trump voters, I found common ground on issues like legalizing marijuana, expanding health care access, and addressing the affordable housing crisis. These so-called ƵradicalƵ ideas arenƵt radical at all Ƶ theyƵre what people in Appalachia need and want. The disconnect isnƵt with the policies; itƵs with how those policies are communicated.
To win back Appalachia, Democrats must reject the narrative that progressive ideas wonƵt resonate here. Instead, they must embrace the race/class narrative, which acknowledges that race and class are deeply intertwined in shaping the experiences and struggles of working people. This narrative doesnƵt shy away from conversations about racial justice; it ties those struggles to the broader fight for economic and social equality, demonstrating that policies that uplift marginalized communities ultimately benefit everyone.
For example, addressing systemic inequities in education helps rural and urban schools alike. Expanding health care access ensures no one has to choose between paying rent or buying life-saving medication. Fighting for workersƵ rights means standing with coal miners and service workers. These are messages that can unite communities rather than divide them Ƶ that is, if weƵre bold enough to lead with them.
In both West Virginia and Kentucky, Democrats have a chance to reclaim their place as the party of the people. That starts with running candidates who arenƵt afraid to challenge the status quo. It means knocking on doors, attending community events, meeting people where they are and having real conversations about the issues that matter. It means acknowledging that the powers that be want to divide us Ƶ by race, by class, by geography Ƶ and refusing to let them win.
The progressive spirit of Appalachia is still alive. ItƵs in the teachers striking for fair pay, the neighbors helping neighbors rebuild after floods, and the workers demanding better conditions. Democrats must tap into that energy, not by watering down their ideas but by championing policies that meet peopleƵs needs and speaking to the shared struggles that unite us.
Appalachia has always been a place of resilience, solidarity, and hope. If Democrats want to win here, they need to stop running from that history and start building on it
Cara Ellis is a regional organizer and activist currently serving as president of Pikeville Pride, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit in Eastern Kentucky.
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