BLUE SOULS
RED STATES
“Blue Souls, Red States grew out of a simple question. What does politics actually look like where people live?
This project is about listening inside communities that are usually reduced to headlines, polling, or talking points. I am reporting from the local level, speaking directly with voters, candidates, and neighbors about how politics intersects with family, faith, work, and identity. The goal is not persuasion. The goal is understanding.”
Gary Hilborn
President, Due South Media
PROJECT OVERVIEW & CONTRIBUTIONS
Client: Due South Media
Creator: Gary Hilborn
Roles: Reporter, Producer, Host
Project Status: In development and early reporting for mid 2026 launch
Blue Souls, Red States is a multi-platform documentary project examining local and midterm elections in Republican-held districts ahead of the 2026 cycle. The project centers on voters, candidates, and community members navigating political division at the local level, with an emphasis on listening, context, and lived experience rather than punditry.
I am developing the project from the ground up, leading reporting, editorial direction, and production across audio, video, and written formats.
Editorial Direction & Reporting
Reporting on contested and closely watched local races in Republican-held districts
Conducting long-form interviews with voters, candidates, organizers, and community members
Shaping an editorial approach grounded in journalism, ethics, and non-advocacy reporting
Prioritizing firsthand accounts over commentary or political analysis
Podcast & Audio Development
Developing a narrative podcast series built from field interviews and reported audio
Designing episode structure, pacing, and tone for clarity and accessibility
Preparing production workflows for remote and on-location recording
Planning public distribution on major podcast platforms
Video & Written Storytelling
Developing short documentary video pieces for digital release
Producing written essays and reported features to accompany audio and video work
Creating modular stories that can stand alone while contributing to a larger body of reporting
Distribution & Public Access
Planned release across podcast platforms, digital video channels, and the project website
Public-facing work designed for audiences, educators, journalists, and civic organizations
Long-term goal of building an accessible archive of local political stories
Impact
Blue Souls, Red States documents political life at the ground level, where outcomes are close and consequences are personal. The project creates space for people to explain how politics intersects with family, faith, work, and identity, offering a deeper understanding of how democracy functions inside divided communities.