In rural southwest Michigan, a longtime Republican stronghold, agricultural billboards are more common than campaign signs, despite the impending US midterm elections that will determine the composition of the US Congress.

Some Republican voters in Michigan who previously supported President Donald Trump say they no longer pay attention to the election. "People are just worried about daily life now," said Lindsay Kronemeyer, 35, a conservative Christian mother of two working in construction.

"I no longer hear Republicans here discussing 'Trump this, Trump that.' He's not in my head anymore," Kronemeyer added.

Charlie Cook, founder of the independent political analysis organization Cook Political Report in Washington, noted that polls show an increasing number of US localities leaning Democratic as the midterm elections approach. In areas where Trump once won by significant margins, Republican candidates now face difficulties.

Some Democrats are beginning to speak of a "blue wave" that could secure their victory in the midterm elections. "This could stem from Republican voters themselves deciding not to cast ballots due to disappointment with President Trump. This phenomenon is termed a 'reverse red wave'," Cook wrote.

Supporters watch President Donald Trump speak at a rally in Durant, Oklahoma, on 1/10. Photo: AFP

Supporters watch President Donald Trump speak at a rally in Durant, Oklahoma, on 1/10. Photo: AFP

Jim Pasek, a retired worker residing in the small town of Gobles, Michigan, voted for Trump twice. However, he now finds himself bewildered by the President's policies.

"I just can't understand him," Pasek, 80, said. "So, I got frustrated and just ignored it."

According to political analyst Cook, a "reverse red wave" could lead to Democratic victories, not because of their candidates' popularity, but due to the weakening Trump brand. "The result will be a strong undertow that will sink many Republican politicians," Cook emphasized.

"Trump said 'vote as if my name is on the ballot,' so I did exactly that, I didn't vote," said Brandon Tremaine, a 24-year-old voter who supported President Trump in 2020. "You cannot promise peace and then rush into wars, putting people in hardship while American soldiers die abroad."

"People are tired of Trump's divisive tactics," observed Al Pscholka, a former Republican state representative from Michigan.

Alarming signs emerge in 'safe strongholds'

The concern over losing voters has spread even to areas considered the Republican Party's most secure strongholds. Representative Bill Huizenga, who previously won overwhelmingly four times in his western Michigan district, is now contending with a well-funded Democratic opponent.

Nancy DeBoer, a Republican state representative from Michigan, also faces a challenging race against Joseph McClusky, a former student of Hope College, a conservative Christian private school in Holland.

"It's incredible how well he's doing," said Rob Pocock, a Hope College lecturer who taught McClusky. He noted an unprecedented surge in Democratic campaign signs displayed in front of homes in Ottawa County.

However, recent elections indicate that polls may not always accurately reflect reality. Trump's loyal voter base often disregards surveys, and those dissatisfied with the Republican Party might still vote at the last minute if they perceive Democrats are gaining ground.

Current figures do not show a significant disparity, with polls indicating that 61% of Democratic voters are certain to vote, compared to 56% of Republicans. Yet, in swing districts, even this small difference can alter the outcome.

Western Michigan, the home of former President Gerald Ford, may be witnessing a decline in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Members of this conservative movement once secured 8 out of 11 seats on the Ottawa County Board and dominated the Michigan Republican Party apparatus.

Now, MAGA holds only three seats on the Ottawa County Board. They have also consistently lost key positions in Berrien and Kent counties.

"I think the Republican Party internally is returning to reality, that we still need the traditional base," Kronemeyer said.

Kronemeyer ran for state representative in 2022 and actively campaigned door-to-door for Trump throughout 2016 and 2020. Recently, however, she admitted she is no longer keen on following the President.

Running on empty

Ten years have passed since Trump invigorated US politics with populist economic messages, resonating with the public and attracting millions of working-class voters.

"He was an explosive source of energy," Pasek recalled. "Everyone felt it. Everyone saw it clearly."

President Trump speaks at the White House on 30/9. Photo: AP

President Trump speaks at the White House on 30/9. Photo: AP

Now, Pasek expresses resentment at witnessing the President initiate a conflict with Iran, which has led to soaring gas prices, despite Trump's earlier promise to bring peace and prosperity to Americans.

"While people are struggling with rising consumer costs, he's engrossed in talking about luxurious ballrooms or grand triumphal arches," Pasek said. "Clearly, the President has moved away from the common people."

During a conversation with Pasek in a restaurant, Jeff Gilbert, a conservative Michigan voter, admitted he stopped following the news, opting to spend more time walking his dog. Nevertheless, he affirmed his continued support for Trump, believing the President had a plan to deal with Iran.

"Always claiming to have a plan, but never clarifying it. He says a few pennies don't matter, but it's suffocating ordinary people!" Pasek retorted, referring to the high fuel prices in the US.

He recounted seeing individuals living precariously in cars in parking lots every time he drove into town. He worries about his 28-year-old niece, who despite graduating from Michigan State University and working three jobs, still cannot afford a home.

A widespread atmosphere of disillusionment permeates the local party. Doug Koopman, a Kent County Republican executive committee member, stated they are struggling to find core volunteers for the midterm elections. No volunteers are eager to take flyers and go door-to-door, leaving stacks of materials gathering dust at the headquarters.

"The Republican Party is running on empty," he said.

Sebastian Covey, 24, a gardener, still remembers when President Trump dominated his social media feeds. He had never voted before 2024, but that year, he was determined to vote for him.

Currently, Covey's priorities have completely shifted. He must live over an hour's drive from his job in Hudsonville, a bustling suburb west of Grand Rapids, Michigan, simply because rent is cheaper. However, soaring gas prices make the commute a nightmare.

He had to switch from a pickup truck to a car, but his carpooling colleague recently changed jobs. Covey and his girlfriend are urgently seeking to rent a place closer to work but cannot find one due to exorbitant prices.

Covey admitted he hasn't even considered whether he will vote. "I should care more, but now just maintaining life is exhausting," he said.

President Trump on stage watching a singer perform at the 2026 Republican Midterm Election Convention in Dallas, Texas, on 10/9. Photo: AFP

President Trump on stage watching a singer perform at the 2026 Republican Midterm Election Convention in Dallas, Texas, on 10/9. Photo: AFP

Bob Harrison, 76, a Berrien County commissioner, believes the core loyalists remain steadfast, but the Republican Party "has lost support from neutrals like me, voters who think, consider, and are willing to split their votes between both sides."

Warren Stewart, 69, an old house restorer in Stevensville, Michigan, also harbors skepticism. He once believed President Trump was striving to "reform" the country, but now he is wavering.

"Does the President really know what he's doing?" he asked. Stewart declared he would not vote for Democrats, but continuing to vote for Republicans also causes him hesitation.

"I just spent 60 USD on groceries that normally cost only 30 USD, and now I'm about to fill up my tank at 1,32 USD per liter," he said. "It feels like they are experimenting with people's endurance."

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Reuters, AP)