Minnesota’s unique blend of urbanization, diversity, and progressive politics sets it apart from its Midwestern neighbors. The state’s demographics, with a high diversity index and a significant population of Somalians, contribute to its distinct character. According to University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Mike Wagner, Minnesota’s combination of urbanization, diversity, and job opportunities make it a haven for Democrats.
Wagner notes that Minnesota’s diversity is reflected in its elected officials, with representatives like Ilhan Omar and a Native American lieutenant governor. The state’s progressive policies, including universal free meals for school children, expanded reproductive access, and legalized marijuana, have also contributed to its reputation as a bastion of liberalism.
Minnesota’s Democratic Party, the Democratic Farm Labor Party, has been able to maintain a strong connection with the state’s farm vote, which has helped the party to hold onto power. In contrast, Wisconsin’s rural population has trended more Republican in recent years, with the state’s GOP capitalizing on cultural issues to attract voters.
The state’s economic landscape has also played a role in its politics. Minnesota did not experience the same level of manufacturing job loss as states like Michigan and Ohio during the 2008 recession, which may have contributed to its stability as a Democratic stronghold. The state is also home to a number of major corporations, including Target and United Health, and is a hub for education and healthcare.
Wagner suggests that Minnesota’s unique characteristics make it an unlikely target for Republican presidential candidates. Despite former President Donald Trump’s efforts to make the state competitive, Minnesota has not voted for a Republican for president since 1972. With Governor Tim Walz, who is popular in the state, on the ticket as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, it is unlikely that the state will flip Republican in the near future.
Minnesota’s urbanization has also contributed to its liberal leanings, with the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs making up more than half of the state’s population. The state’s educated and liberal population centers have driven its progressive politics, setting it apart from its more rural and conservative Midwestern neighbors.
