What rural American voters want ahead of the midterms

Asama Abadid (0:01)

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Bobby Scarborough (0:37)

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Yuma, Arizona, USA, ain't nothing to do but watch cotton grow.

Asama Abadid (0:49)

In the far southwestern corner of Arizona, close to the Mexican border, lies Yuma, a desert community surrounded by agricultural land where vast fields of winter vegetables have earned the region its reputation as America's winter salad bowl. It's also a Republican stronghold where nearly 60% of voters backed Donald Trump in 2024, the party's strongest result here since Ronald Reagan in 1984

But beneath that conservative loyalty, discontent is growing.

For President Trump, these elections matter. Control of Congress is up for grabs, with all the House seats and about a third of the Senate being contested. If Democrats win either chamber, they could make it much harder for Mr. Trump to get his agenda through. And although he is not on the ballot, getting his supporters to vote could make all the difference. Small business owner Bobby Scarborough has been a Republican for decades. His political roots stretch back to a meeting with President Reagan when he was just 17 years old. He describes himself as an ultra conservative, someone who believes in fiscal discipline, limited government spending, and keeping America out of foreign wars. Although never a fan of Mr. Trump, Bobby voted for him in both 2020 and 2024 Now, he deeply regrets that decision.

Bobby Scarborough (2:33)

Turned out to be the worst vote I've ever cast because he won.

And it's just been an absolute disaster. I just loathe him, yes.

Asama Abadid (2:42)

For Bobby, the disappointment is about more than personality. He believes Mr. Trump has abandoned the very principles that once defined the Republican Party, accusing him of breaking promises on government spending, foreign conflicts, and the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Bobby Scarborough (3:03)

Conservatives tend to be thought of as fiscally responsible, whether it's your own household or your nation. You don't spend more money than you earn. Trump presented himself as, I'm going to keep you out of the wars. I'm going to put America first, release all the Epstein files. And of course, he did everything to fight. Everything he, every promise he's made, he's turned around and lied on.

Asama Abadid (3:24)

But disillusionment with Mr. Trump isn't confined to traditional conservatives. Yuma County is nearly 70% Hispanic, a community that played an important role in his 2024 election victory.

Nationally, nearly half of Hispanic voters supported Donald Trump, a significant shift towards the Republican Party.

Among them was 22-year-old Fernando Núñez Dominguez. He once believed Mr. Trump was racist, but conservative influencers, including Charlie Kirk, helped change his political views. Fernando became an enthusiastic supporter of the MAGA movement and campaigned for Mr. Trump in 2024 But the war with Iran and Washington's support for Israel has changed his outlook. Fernando now identifies as an independent and believes a divide is emerging between Trump's MAGA movement and conservatives who believe the president has abandoned his America First promises.

Fernando Núñez Dominguez (4:31)

I changed my party affiliation to no labels, so now I'm independent now.

Asama Abadid (4:36)

His shift comes amid a broader political realignment. According to Gallup, a record 45% of Americans identified as political independents last year. But at Republican headquarters in Yuma, Tanya Wright insists support for the party remains strong.

Originally from Mexico, Tanya married an American serviceman, became a US citizen, and now helps mobilize Republican voters. She believes conservative social values continue to resonate with Hispanic communities.

Tanya Wright (5:15)

They are what we call generational Democrats. They realize that they align more with the Republican Party when it comes to family values, when it comes to pro-life.

Asama Abadid (5:27)

But even Tanya acknowledges that economic frustrations are testing Republican loyalty, particularly rising fuel prices and the cost of living. Further into the Arizona desert, in the small town of Tacna, another former Trump supporter has reached a very different conclusion.

Retired teacher Rosalie Stafford was once a Democrat. She voted for Mr. Trump in three presidential elections, convinced by his promises to secure the Mexican border and take a tougher approach to crime. While she acknowledges improvements in border security, she says his other policies have left her feeling betrayed. And she believes many Americans made the same mistake.