Young Democrats Fighting for Rural America
Welcome to another episode of The Hot Dish, where we serve comfort food for Middle America. In today's episode, Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp delve into the political whirlwind surrounding Donald Trump's inauguration, cabinet picks, and executive orders — and their implications for the next four years.
Later in the episode, you'll hear a fascinating conversation between One Country Project Board Member J.D. Scholten and Anderson Clayton, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair. Anderson, the youngest state party chair in the nation, shares her experiences and insights on enhancing grassroots infrastructure, speaking to rural voters, and the GOP's efforts to throw out 60,000 legal votes in the Tarheel State to overturn the results of a state Supreme Court election.
Join us as we explore these pivotal topics and more, all aimed at bringing clarity and hope to the heartland.
Join the One Country Project for the fourth annual Rural Progress Summit, July 8–10. The keynote will feature a virtual fireside chat between Sec. Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.
The Rural Progress Summit is a virtual event that brings together voices from across the country to explore ideas and solutions that address the real needs of rural America.
Go to OneCountryProject.org to learn more or https://pdcst.news/RPS2025 to register for the Rural Progress Summit.
Creators and Guests

Host
Heidi Heitkamp
U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp served as the first female senator elected from North Dakota from 2013 – 2019. he is the founder and Chair of the One Country Project, an organization focused on addressing the needs and concerns of rural America. Heidi was recently named the Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, a university she has long been committed to and a place where she enjoys engaging with students over civic discussions while encouraging them to seek opportunities in public service to our country. Heidi also serves as a contributor to both CNBC and ABC News.

Host
Joel Heitkamp
He is an multi-award winning talk show host both regionally and nationally. Before radio, he served in the North Dakota Senate from 1995-2008.

Guest
Anderson Clayton
Anderson Clayton is an organizer by trade, a proud rural North Carolinian, and the current Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, becoming the youngest state party chair in the country.

Guest
J.D. Scholten
J.D. Scholten is a State Representative from Iowa House District 1, a board member of One Country.
