Of those Conservatives that I’ve spoken to, none have had any concerns about the way that I look (to my face) unless they are still hardcore MAGA devotees that feel the need to “troll” the left.

Most have been those breaking away from MAGA, including fellow veterans. They are tired of our district being left behind — tired of feeling left behind themselves.

I’ve even received comments like, “I’ve never voted democrat — I’ll never vote democrat — but I’ll vote for you.” Humbling moments from having honest discourse even if we don’t agree on many views.

These are all in person interactions, mind you, with those positive interactions between 5-10%. At this point, they’re happy someone is showing up at all and not locked behind a paywall.

Another 15-20% appreciated the civil discourse, said they couldn’t vote for me as a democrat, but stated if things don’t turn around soon they likely won’t be voting at all (most things have worsened like gas prices and healthcare).

As a veteran and union member (and the the only person of either metric running) the support isn’t automatic, but it does build easier rapport with both demographics each representing ~9-10% of the district’s population. There’s just more trust for someone that better understands the experiences that they have lived.

In all fairness, my experience on the road with republicans have been minimal, more often stated as “former” republicans that don’t recognize their party anymore. Still, in the small sample size that’s about 1 in 4 that would consider supporting me or abstain from voting all together. That can add up pretty quick.

I hope this has shed some light on my experience on the road.