Minnesota, Democrats' bastion in the Midwest, is becoming more competitive

Minnesota, known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” became a state in 1858. The state in the Midwest has participated in every US presidential election since 1860. Minnesota is notable for its Scandinavian and German immigrant heritage, which has shaped its culture and politics. The state offers 10 electoral votes, and its political leanings have typically favoured Democrats in recent decades.

Who are the voters?

According to the US Census Bureau’s 2020 report, Minnesota’s population is 77.5 per cent White, 7 per cent Black or African American, 6.1 per cent Hispanic or Latino, 5.4 per cent Asian, and around 3.8 per cent identify as two or more races. Minnesota also has a growing foreign-born population, particularly in urban centres such as the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul), where immigrant communities play a significant role in the local economy and culture.

Voters in Minnesota tend to be well-educated, with a higher-than-average college graduation rate compared to the national average. The state has around 3.5 million registered voters, with Democrats generally leading in urban areas, while Republicans tend to perform better in rural regions.

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Is it Democrat or Republican?

Minnesota has a strong Democratic tradition, with its last Republican presidential vote in 1972 for Richard Nixon. Since then, it has consistently voted for Democratic candidates, though the margins have narrowed in recent elections. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden won with 52.4 per cent of the vote, compared to Donald Trump’s 45.3 per cent. 2016 Hillary Clinton garnered 46.9 per cent, while Trump secured 45.3 per cent. In 2012, Barack Obama won with 52.8 per cent, while Mitt Romney received 45.1 per cent.

Is it a swing state?

Although historically a Democratic stronghold, Minnesota has shown signs of becoming more competitive in recent elections. While it still leans Democratic, Republicans have gained ground in some rural areas, making it a potential battleground in close elections.

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Has it given the US a president?

Minnesota has not produced a US president.

If there is any memorable election for the state?

The 1984 election is one of the most memorable for Minnesota, as it was the only state in the country to vote for Walter Mondale in his race against incumbent President Ronald Reagan, resisting Reagan’s landslide victory in the other 49 states.