Farmer Group Funds $3 Million in Attack Ads Against Republicans in Rural Midterm Races

A farmer-aligned political group is funding $3 million in attack ads against Republicans in competitive U.S. midterm races, targeting candidates over cost of living and animal welfare ahead of the November 3 vote, Reuters reported. The ads, airing in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Iowa, are paid for by the political arm of the American Meat Producers Association, founded in 2025, which backs high animal welfare standards. Federal filings show AMPA has spent $2.9 million, including about $2.5 million opposing Iowa Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in her Senate race. The spotlights GOP vulnerability in rural strongholds: rural approval of President Donald Trump fell to 45% in October, per Reuters/Ipsos polling, amid tariff and fuel-cost concerns. Trump has pledged $8 billion in diesel aid, lifting government farm payments to a record $55.4 billion, though funds arrive after the election.