Red State Blues

This anthology shares the experiences and perspectives of Rust Belt progressives in the era of Trump.

Much was made of the 2016 electoral flip when traditionally Democratic states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio tipped the presidency to Donald Trump. Countless commentators explored this newfound constituency of blue voters who suddenly swung red. But what about those in the Midwest who remain true blue?

Red State Blues speaks to the lived experience of progressives, activists, and ordinary Democrats who are pushing back against simplistic narratives of the Midwest as "Trump Country"—a narrative that has erased the region's rich history of grassroots, progressive politics. They keep that legacy alive, and as the essays in this collection demonstrate, they're not leaving anytime soon.


Red State Blues is a nuanced look at the true complexity of a region that has always refused to submit to stereotypes about it. Edited by Martha Bayne, it includes work from:
Sarah Kendzior, author of The View from Flyover CountryKenyon College president Sean DecaturPittsburgh city councilman Dan GilmanPhil Christman, author of Midwest Futures And many more