Inside One of America’s Swingiest Swing States Ahead of the Midterms

In this follow-up episode of 'The Middle with Jeremy Hobson,' host Jeremy Hobson travels to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to examine the state’s pivotal role in the upcoming midterm elections. Joined by WISPolitics editor J.R. Ross, the conversation dives into Wisconsin’s complex political landscape, focusing on redistricting challenges, voter ID laws, and concerns over election integrity. Despite a long-standing Republican-leaning map drawn in 2011, Wisconsin’s current political dynamics are shifting due to a liberal majority on the state Supreme Court, which has stalled redistricting efforts until 2028. The episode explores how voter ID requirements—while upheld by courts—create administrative hurdles, especially in rural areas with limited DMV access. Callers express mixed confidence in election integrity, with some fearing federal overreach and others praising the bipartisan safeguards in place. A key theme emerges: economic anxiety, particularly around gas prices and cost of living, is becoming a decisive factor in voter behavior. Ross predicts that if gas prices reach $4.50 per gallon by October, Democrats could win a trifecta in Wisconsin, driven by a weak Trump approval rating and high voter turnout among suburban and college-educated voters. The episode concludes with a reminder of Wisconsin’s unique political split—home to both progressive figures like Tammy Baldwin and conservative leaders like Ron Johnson—and the critical role of key counties like Dane, Milwaukee, and Waukesha in determining statewide outcomes.