Rural Representation & Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide


Yonkman emphasizes that rural voters are an under-represented group in politics and advocates for political messaging and policies that truly address rural communities’ interests. His writings and political work focus on closing the gap between urban and rural concerns.

Speaking to Issues That Matter to Rural Voters


He argues that national or urban-centered issues (e.g., climate change, social justice) often don’t resonate in rural areas, and that politicians should instead address practical, locally relevant issues, such as concerns around agriculture, availability of ammunition, rural broadband, and economic resilience.
 

Encouraging Better Rural Outreach by Democratic Candidates

Yonkman’s work with Reclaim the Rural Vote (a political action committee) focuses on helping Democratic candidates improve communication and outreach to rural voters, which implies priorities around messaging, community engagement, and policy framing that resonates with rural and farming communities.
 

Rural Economic Strength & Self-Reliance


His perspective underscores economic resilience in rural communities, including the importance of practical infrastructure like broadband access, self-sufficiency of rural residents, and issues that enable rural economic health and stability.
 

Translating Experience as a Farmer and Attorney to Policy Engagement


Yonkman’s background, growing up on a family farm, later practicing law, and returning to agriculture, shapes his emphasis on bringing real-world rural experience into political conversations and advocating for rural perspectives in broader party strategies.