I'm not so sure that's the problem but more a function of voter turnout. This cycle not a problem feelings are running high against Trump this year, even the south is weary of that man.
Democrats Made Gains From Multiple Sources in 2018 Midterm Victories
Contrary to What You Hear, the Rural-Urban Gap Didn’t Grow in 2018 Election
Despite stories about the “deepening divide” between rural and urban, the difference between major-city voters and rural voters changed very little in last year’s election. In fact, Democrats made a 4-point comeback with rural voters in 2018.