During his successful presidential campaign in 2016, Donald J. Trump nearly won Minnesota, coming within 1.5 percentage points of Hillary Clinton in a state known for breaking Republican hearts. On Friday, the former president returned to Minnesota, speaking at a fund-raising dinner for the Minnesota Republican Party in St. Paul. The event was exclusive to paying guests and invited media, sparking speculation about the true intentions behind his visit.
The stark divisions in Minnesota, especially between urban and rural areas, were highlighted during Trump’s visit. Representative Angie Craig, a Democrat from a swing district that covers urban and rural areas, emphasized the need for hard work in the upcoming election, recalling her defeat in 2016 when Trump carried her district.
Although Minnesota has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1972, Trump’s share of the vote increased from 2016 to 2020. Republicans in the state are optimistic about their chances in 2024, citing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies. Some Democrats are also concerned about the growing support for Trump among constituents.
The state’s political landscape is evolving, with urban areas shifting leftward while rural areas lean right. Recent elections have seen a decline in Democratic centrism in northern Minnesota and a rise in progressive influence in Minneapolis and its suburbs.
The Trump campaign aims to capitalize on the backlash against left-leaning policies in the Twin Cities and the aftermath of events like the George Floyd protests. Recent polls show Biden holding a narrow lead in Minnesota, but some voters remain undecided or protest against both candidates.
Both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge the competitiveness of the upcoming election in Minnesota. While some believe the state will ultimately lean towards Biden, others recognize the potential for a close race similar to past elections in the state.
Minnesota has historically been a challenging state for Republicans to win, similar to North Carolina for Democrats. Despite previous victories and close races, both parties see the opportunity to secure a win in Minnesota. The state’s political landscape continues to shift, making the outcome of the upcoming election uncertain.
