Democrats invoke Great Plains' populist movement in competitive red states

NPR | By Sam Gringlas,

Steve Inskeep

Published October 21, 2026 at 4:40 AM EDT

Democrats are trying to make inroads in deep red areas in this year's midterm elections by evoking a populist movement that bloomed across the Great Plains more than a century ago.

Sam Gringlas

Sam Gringlas is an NPR Congressional Reporter.

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition and Up First.

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Democrats invoke Great Plains' populist movement in competitive red states

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

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