Midwest poll shows strong farm family support for year-round E15 legislation
A new poll highlights strong rural support for year-round E15 fuel legislation across several Midwestern states. The survey, conducted by YouGov for Rural Voices USA, shows that many rural voters believe the policy could help strengthen the farm economy and increase corn demand.
The poll surveyed about 1,000 rural registered voters from Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin between February 14 and February 25, 2026. According to the results, 57% of rural voters say they would be more likely to support a candidate for Congress who supports year-round E15 fuel. Among farm families, support is even stronger, with 71% saying they are more likely to back a candidate who votes for the policy. About 40% of farm families said they would be “much more likely” to support such a candidate.
“Rural voters see the farm crisis enveloping their communities and are looking for answers from Congress,” said Rural Voices USA Board Chairman Chris Gibbs. “This survey shows that rural voters and farm families want their members of Congress to go to bat for them on E15 because it ripples across the farm economy. Members of Congress would be wise to listen and stop the delays.”
Support for the policy appears especially strong in Iowa and Nebraska. In Iowa, 64% of rural voters say support for E15 would influence their vote. In Nebraska, the number rises to 69%.
Researchers also found that support increases when voters learn more about the benefits of E15 fuel. After hearing additional information about the policy, 68% of rural voters said they were more likely to support year-round E15 legislation.
Agriculture remains a key issue for rural communities. According to the poll, 88% of rural voters say agriculture and farming are important factors when deciding how to vote for Congress. More than half of respondents described the issue as extremely important.
Rural Voices USA says the findings show strong public interest in expanding ethanol fuel access. The organization has launched a campaign encouraging Congress to pass year-round E15 legislation. As part of the campaign, digital billboards and online advertisements are being updated across the five Midwestern states to highlight the poll results.
Supporters say year-round E15 could increase corn demand by more than two billion bushels each year. Economic projections also suggest the policy could create more than 128,000 jobs, add about $25.8 billion to the national economy, and reduce fuel costs for consumers.
Advocates believe expanded ethanol use could also reduce reliance on imported energy while providing economic support to farmers during challenging market conditions.
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