Robb Ryerse, once a Republican hopeful, is now running as a Democrat in the 2026 midterm elections, citing growing worries about affordability and the cost of living.
Ryerse is challenging Republican incumbent Steve Womack in Arkansas’ 3rd congressional district. He previously ran against Womack in the 2018 Republican primary.
“I was a lifelong Republican until Donald Trump became the GOP nominee for president in 2016,” Ryerse told Newsweek. “I ran an unorthodox campaign for Congress in the 2018 Republican primary as a progressive Republican. Since then, I’ve been working to get Democrats across the country elected to office to resist Donald Trump’s agenda and the threat of Christian Nationalism.
“When I decided to run for Congress again in 2026, it just made sense to run as a Democrat. I’m excited to run a strong campaign that helps flip Congress at the midterm elections.”
Why It Matters
The economy remains a top priority for U.S. voters. A Gallup poll found that economic pressures were the main reason many Americans backed Trump in the November 2024 presidential election. On the campaign trail, the president vowed to tackle inflation, but since taking office, some of his economic moves—such as imposing tariffs on key trading partners—have faced public criticism.
Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in Congress, with 219 seats to the Democrats’ 213. Losing just a few seats could significantly complicate Trump’s efforts to enact his agenda. Still, Arkansas is a reliably red state that has supported Republican presidential candidates in every election since 2000, making Ryerse’s path to victory an uphill battle.
What To Know
Speaking to local outlet 40/29 News on Monday, Ryerse described going through “a political identity crisis” and at times feeling “politically homeless.”
“I switched parties because I have shifted in my political beliefs over the years like a lot of people have, but party’s not the most important thing to me. Serving the people of this district is,” he said.
Ryerse argued that despite promises from the Trump administration to address economic challenges, “nothing has been done to bring down the cost of living.”
He said residents frequently raise worries about the economy, particularly the rising costs of food, health care and housing.
“People are really nervous about the cost of living and how it’s dramatically increased,” he said.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump recently painted a different picture of the economy in remarks to the American Business Forum.
“Grocery prices are way down, and Walmart just announced that the cost of their standard Thanksgiving meal—this is the greatest, their greatest,” he said.
He added: “It is 25 percent lower than one year ago. That’s a big deal.”
What Happens Next
Voters in Arkansas’ 3rd district will decide between Womack and Ryerse when they head to the polls on November 3, 2026.
