Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party: Difference between revisions

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| leader4_name    = [[Erin Murphy (Minnesota politician)|Erin Murphy]]
| leader4_name    = [[Erin Murphy (Minnesota politician)|Erin Murphy]]
| leader5_title    = [[List of minority leaders of the Minnesota House of Representatives|House Leader]]
| leader5_title    = [[List of minority leaders of the Minnesota House of Representatives|House Leader]]
| leader5_name    = [[Melissa Hortman]]
| leader5_name    = ''Vacant''
| founded          = {{Start date and age|1944|04|15}}
| founded          = {{Start date and age|1944|04|15}}
| merger          = [[Minnesota Democratic Party]] and [[Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party]]<ref name=Commitee>{{cite web |date=2023 |title=FARMER-LABOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE |url=https://farmerlaboreducation.com/documentary |website=farmerlaboreducation.com |location=Minnesota |publisher=FARMER-LABOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE |access-date=2025-02-26 |quote=The Farmer-Labor movement founded the most successful third party in U.S. political history. This progressive movement elected candidates and advanced political change in Minnesota from 1917 until it merged with the Democrats in 1944, to form the DFL, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.}}</ref><ref name=TBT>{{cite web |title=ABOUT FARMER-LABOR MOVEMENT: A MINNESOTA STORY |url=https://www.tpt.org/farmer-labor-movement-a-minnesota-story/ |website= |location=Minnesota |publisher=Twin Cities PBS |access-date=2025-02-26 |quote=Documentary about the history of the progressive Farmer-Labor movement in Minnesota from 1915 to 1944, when the party merged with the Democrats to form the DFL, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.}}</ref>
| merger          = [[Minnesota Democratic Party]] and [[Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party]]<ref name=Commitee>{{cite web |date=2023 |title=FARMER-LABOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE |url=https://farmerlaboreducation.com/documentary |website=farmerlaboreducation.com |location=Minnesota |publisher=FARMER-LABOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE |access-date=2025-02-26 |quote=The Farmer-Labor movement founded the most successful third party in U.S. political history. This progressive movement elected candidates and advanced political change in Minnesota from 1917 until it merged with the Democrats in 1944, to form the DFL, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.}}</ref><ref name=TBT>{{cite web |title=ABOUT FARMER-LABOR MOVEMENT: A MINNESOTA STORY |url=https://www.tpt.org/farmer-labor-movement-a-minnesota-story/ |website= |location=Minnesota |publisher=Twin Cities PBS |access-date=2025-02-26 |quote=Documentary about the history of the progressive Farmer-Labor movement in Minnesota from 1915 to 1944, when the party merged with the Democrats to form the DFL, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.}}</ref>
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| seats1          = {{Composition bar|34|67|hex={{party color|Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party}}}}
| seats1          = {{Composition bar|34|67|hex={{party color|Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party}}}}
| seats2_title    = [[Minnesota House of Representatives|State House]]
| seats2_title    = [[Minnesota House of Representatives|State House]]
| seats2          = {{Composition bar|67|134|hex={{party color|Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party}}}}
| seats2          = {{Composition bar|66|134|hex={{party color|Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party}}}}
| seats3_title    = [[Minnesota#Law and government|Statewide Executive Offices]]
| seats3_title    = [[Minnesota#Law and government|Statewide Executive Offices]]
| seats3          = {{Composition bar|5|5|hex={{party color|Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party}}}}
| seats3          = {{Composition bar|5|5|hex={{party color|Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party}}}}
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On April 15, 1944, the Farmer–Labor Party merged with the [[Minnesota Democratic Party]], forming the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL).<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |date=April 15, 1944 |page=Saturday Page 1 |title=Democrats, F-L, Complete Fusion}}</ref> Leading the merger effort were Elmer Kelm, the head of the Minnesota Democratic Party and the founding [[chairman]] of the DFL; [[Elmer Benson]], effectively the head of the Farmer–Labor Party by virtue of his leadership of its dominant left-wing faction; and rising star [[Hubert Humphrey|Hubert H. Humphrey]], who chaired the Fusion Committee that accomplished the union and then went on to chair its first state convention.<ref name=":1">"DEMOCRATIC-FARMER-LABOR PARTY." n.d. Minnesota Historical Society. Accessed May 26, 2023. http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00586.xml .</ref> This merger marked a pivotal shift influenced by academic liberals at the [[University of Minnesota]] who advocated for integrating the [[New Deal|New Deal's]] progressive reforms within a more centralized, managerial political framework, transitioning from the movement-oriented politics of the Farmer-Labor party to a structure that emphasized interest-group pluralism.
On April 15, 1944, the Farmer–Labor Party merged with the [[Minnesota Democratic Party]], forming the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL).<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper=The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |date=April 15, 1944 |page=Saturday Page 1 |title=Democrats, F-L, Complete Fusion}}</ref> Leading the merger effort were Elmer Kelm, the head of the Minnesota Democratic Party and the founding [[chairman]] of the DFL; [[Elmer Benson]], effectively the head of the Farmer–Labor Party by virtue of his leadership of its dominant left-wing faction; and rising star [[Hubert Humphrey|Hubert H. Humphrey]], who chaired the Fusion Committee that accomplished the union and then went on to chair its first state convention.<ref name=":1">"DEMOCRATIC-FARMER-LABOR PARTY." n.d. Minnesota Historical Society. Accessed May 26, 2023. http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00586.xml .</ref> This merger marked a pivotal shift influenced by academic liberals at the [[University of Minnesota]] who advocated for integrating the [[New Deal|New Deal's]] progressive reforms within a more centralized, managerial political framework, transitioning from the movement-oriented politics of the Farmer-Labor party to a structure that emphasized interest-group pluralism.


During the post-war years, the DFL confronted various social issues, including [[antisemitism]], which reflected broader national conversations about race and ethnicity. The DFL also navigated with its stance on [[Civil rights movement|civil rights]] and economic justice, influenced significantly by Minnesota's small but politically active [[African Americans|African American]] communities. In early 1946, as a [[Fair Employment Practice Committee|Fair Employment Practice]] (FEPC) bill was moving through Congress, there was a surge of civil rights activism in the Twin Cities.<ref name="o936">{{cite journal |last=Kortenhof |first=Kurt |date=2022-07-07 |title=Searching for Bright Sunshine: The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements – 1945-1975 |url=https://mlpp.pressbooks.pub/mnhist/chapter/searching-for-bright-sunshine-the-civil-rights-and-black-power-movements-1945-1975/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Minnesota Libraries Publishing Project}}</ref>
During the post-war years, the DFL confronted various social issues, including [[antisemitism]], which reflected broader national conversations about race and ethnicity. The DFL also navigated with its stance on [[Civil rights movement|civil rights]] and economic justice, influenced significantly by Minnesota's small but politically active [[African Americans|African American]] communities. In early 1946, as a [[Fair Employment Practice Committee|Fair Employment Practice]] (FEPC) bill was moving through Congress, there was a surge of civil rights activism in the Twin Cities.<ref name="o936">{{cite journal |last=Kortenhof |first=Kurt |date=2022-07-07 |title=Searching for Bright Sunshine: The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements – 1945–1975 |url=https://mlpp.pressbooks.pub/mnhist/chapter/searching-for-bright-sunshine-the-civil-rights-and-black-power-movements-1945-1975/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Minnesota Libraries Publishing Project}}</ref>


Factional battles were intensified by differing views on how to address the left-wing influence within the party, with significant conflicts between proponents of [[Henry A. Wallace]]'s progressive policies and the more moderate wing led by figures like [[Hubert Humphrey]]. By the party's second convention in 1946, tensions had re-emerged between members of the two former parties. While the majority of delegates supported left-wing policies, Humphrey managed to install a more conservative, anti-communist ally, [[Orville Freeman]], as party secretary.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mitau |first=G. Theodore |date=1955 |title=The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Schism of 1948 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20175887 |journal=Minnesota History |volume=34 |issue=5 |pages=187–194 |jstor=20175887 |issn=0026-5497}}</ref> Some disaffected Farmer–Labor leaders such as Benson moved to the [[Progressive Party (United States, 1948)|Progressive Party]].<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last1=Nathanson|first1=Iric|date=February 26, 2016|title=The caucus that changed history: 1948's battle for control of the DFL|publisher=Minnesota Post|url=https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2016/02/caucus-changed-history-1948s-battle-control-dfl/}}</ref> Freeman [[1954 Minnesota gubernatorial election|was elected]] the state's first DFL governor in 1954. Important members of the party have included Humphrey and [[Walter Mondale]], who each went on to be [[United States Senate|United States senators]], [[Vice President of the United States|vice presidents of the United States]], and unsuccessful [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominees for [[President of the United States|president]]; [[Eugene McCarthy]], a U.S. senator who ran for the Democratic [[1968 United States presidential election|presidential nomination in 1968]] as an [[Opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War|anti-Vietnam War]] candidate; [[Paul Wellstone]], a U.S. senator from 1991 to 2002 who became an icon of [[Populism|populist]] [[progressivism]];<ref>{{cite web |author=Loughlin, Sean |date=October 25, 2002 |title=Wellstone Made Mark as a Liberal Champion |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/10/25/elec02.mn.s.wellstone.obit/ |access-date=June 23, 2014 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> [[Amy Klobuchar]], a U.S. senator who ran for the [[2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries|Democratic nomination for president]] in 2020;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Allan |title=Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar announces run for president |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/democratic-sen-amy-klobuchar-announces-run-president-n969796 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=30 September 2024 |date=10 February 2024}}</ref> [[Dean Phillips]], a [[US Representative|U.S. representative]] who ran for the [[2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries|Democratic nomination for president in 2024]];<ref>{{cite web |last1=John |first1=Arit |last2=McKend |first2=Eva |last3=Pellish |first3=Aaron |title=House Democrat Dean Phillips launches primary challenge against President Biden |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/26/politics/dean-phillips-presidential-campaign-launch/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=30 September 2024 |date=27 October 2023}}</ref> and Tim Walz, two-term governor chosen as [[Kamala Harris]]' running mate in the [[2024 United States presidential election|2024 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Epstein |first=Reid J. |date=2024-08-06 |title=Tim Walz Is Kamala Harris's Choice for Vice President: Live Election Updates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/08/06/us/kamala-harris-vp-trump-election |access-date=2024-08-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The DFL has had varied success beginning in the late 1970s and through the late 2010s, in part due to the growth of single-issue splinter groups after reforms brought by the national party.<ref name=":1" />
Factional battles were intensified by differing views on how to address the left-wing influence within the party, with significant conflicts between proponents of [[Henry A. Wallace]]'s progressive policies and the more moderate wing led by figures like [[Hubert Humphrey]]. By the party's second convention in 1946, tensions had re-emerged between members of the two former parties. While the majority of delegates supported left-wing policies, Humphrey managed to install a more conservative, anti-communist ally, [[Orville Freeman]], as party secretary.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mitau |first=G. Theodore |date=1955 |title=The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Schism of 1948 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20175887 |journal=Minnesota History |volume=34 |issue=5 |pages=187–194 |jstor=20175887 |issn=0026-5497}}</ref> Some disaffected Farmer–Labor leaders such as Benson moved to the [[Progressive Party (United States, 1948)|Progressive Party]].<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last1=Nathanson|first1=Iric|date=February 26, 2016|title=The caucus that changed history: 1948's battle for control of the DFL|publisher=Minnesota Post|url=https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2016/02/caucus-changed-history-1948s-battle-control-dfl/}}</ref> Freeman [[1954 Minnesota gubernatorial election|was elected]] the state's first DFL governor in 1954. Important members of the party have included Humphrey and [[Walter Mondale]], who each went on to be [[United States Senate|United States senators]], [[Vice President of the United States|vice presidents of the United States]], and unsuccessful [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominees for [[President of the United States|president]]; [[Eugene McCarthy]], a U.S. senator who ran for the Democratic [[1968 United States presidential election|presidential nomination in 1968]] as an [[Opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War|anti-Vietnam War]] candidate; [[Paul Wellstone]], a U.S. senator from 1991 to 2002 who became an icon of [[Populism|populist]] [[progressivism]];<ref>{{cite web |author=Loughlin, Sean |date=October 25, 2002 |title=Wellstone Made Mark as a Liberal Champion |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/10/25/elec02.mn.s.wellstone.obit/ |access-date=June 23, 2014 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> [[Amy Klobuchar]], a U.S. senator who ran for the [[2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries|Democratic nomination for president]] in 2020;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Allan |title=Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar announces run for president |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/democratic-sen-amy-klobuchar-announces-run-president-n969796 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=30 September 2024 |date=10 February 2024}}</ref> [[Dean Phillips]], a [[US Representative|U.S. representative]] who ran for the [[2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries|Democratic nomination for president in 2024]];<ref>{{cite web |last1=John |first1=Arit |last2=McKend |first2=Eva |last3=Pellish |first3=Aaron |title=House Democrat Dean Phillips launches primary challenge against President Biden |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/26/politics/dean-phillips-presidential-campaign-launch/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=30 September 2024 |date=27 October 2023}}</ref> and Tim Walz, two-term governor chosen as [[Kamala Harris]]' running mate in the [[2024 United States presidential election|2024 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Epstein |first=Reid J. |date=2024-08-06 |title=Tim Walz Is Kamala Harris's Choice for Vice President: Live Election Updates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/08/06/us/kamala-harris-vp-trump-election |access-date=2024-08-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The DFL has had varied success beginning in the late 1970s and through the late 2010s, in part due to the growth of single-issue splinter groups after reforms brought by the national party.<ref name=":1" />


Following the [[2022 Minnesota elections]], the DFL became the dominant party in the state, retaining every executive office, winning majorities in the state [[2020 Minnesota House of Representatives election|House]] and [[2022 Minnesota Senate election|Senate]], and re-electing all incumbent congressional representatives. With their newly elected [[Government trifecta|trifecta]], the DFL pursued a progressive agenda in their [[93rd Minnesota Legislature|first legislative session]]. Governor Tim Walz described the session as "the most successful legislative session, certainly in many of our lifetimes and maybe in Minnesota history."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title='Transformational' and also 'bonkers:' Minnesota Legislature ends big session |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/05/transformational-and-also-bonkers-minnesota-legislature-ends-its-session-of-historic-spending-policy-changes/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref> The newly elected government passed large expansions in welfare programs and spending. Notable policies passed include the expansion of [[Abortion in Minnesota|abortion rights]], new programs to provide reproductive healthcare, protection of [[gender affirming care]],<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-27 |title="It's a good day for freedoms": Walz signs bills on reproductive freedom and trans refuge, ban on conversion therapy |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/its-a-good-day-for-freedoms-walz-signs-bills-on-reproductive-freedom-and-trans-refuge-ban-on-conversion-therapy/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> the [[Cannabis legalization in the United States|legalization of recreational cannabis]], indexing education spending to inflation, investments in public transit, and paid sick leave for Minnesota workers.<ref name="cbsnews.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-26 |title=Weed, abortion, paid leave, rebates and taxes: A look at what MN lawmakers got done this year |url=https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/minnesota/weed-abortion-paid-leave-rebates-and-taxes-a-look-at-what-mn-lawmakers-got-done-this-year |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Duluth News Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Former president [[Barack Obama]] praised the state government's actions, saying that "Minnesota has made progress on a whole host of issues – from protecting abortion rights and new gun safety measures to expanding access to the ballot and reducing child poverty. These laws will make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Turtinen |first=Melissa |date=2023-05-26 |title=Barack Obama tweeted about Minnesota as reason you should vote |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/barack-obama-tweeted-about-minnesota-citing-reason-why-you-should-vote |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=FOX 9 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Following the [[2022 Minnesota elections]], the DFL became the dominant party in the state, retaining every executive office, winning majorities in the state [[2020 Minnesota House of Representatives election|House]] and [[2022 Minnesota Senate election|Senate]], and re-electing all incumbent congressional representatives. With their newly elected [[Government trifecta|trifecta]], the DFL pursued a progressive agenda in their [[93rd Minnesota Legislature|first legislative session]]. Governor Tim Walz described the session as "the most successful legislative session, certainly in many of our lifetimes and maybe in Minnesota history."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title='Transformational' and also 'bonkers:' Minnesota Legislature ends big session |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/05/transformational-and-also-bonkers-minnesota-legislature-ends-its-session-of-historic-spending-policy-changes/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref> The newly elected government passed large expansions in welfare programs and spending. Notable policies passed include the expansion of [[Abortion in Minnesota|abortion rights]], new programs to provide reproductive healthcare, protection of [[gender affirming care]],<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-27 |title="It's a good day for freedoms": Walz signs bills on reproductive freedom and trans refuge, ban on conversion therapy |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/its-a-good-day-for-freedoms-walz-signs-bills-on-reproductive-freedom-and-trans-refuge-ban-on-conversion-therapy/ |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> the [[Cannabis legalization in the United States|legalization of recreational cannabis]], indexing education spending to inflation, investments in public transit, and paid sick leave for Minnesota workers.<ref name="cbsnews.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-26 |title=Weed, abortion, paid leave, rebates and taxes: A look at what MN lawmakers got done this year |url=https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/minnesota/weed-abortion-paid-leave-rebates-and-taxes-a-look-at-what-mn-lawmakers-got-done-this-year |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Duluth News Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Former president [[Barack Obama]] praised the state government's actions, saying that "Minnesota has made progress on a whole host of issues – from protecting abortion rights and new gun safety measures to expanding access to the ballot and reducing child poverty. These laws will make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Turtinen |first=Melissa |date=2023-05-26 |title=Barack Obama tweeted about Minnesota as reason you should vote |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/barack-obama-tweeted-about-minnesota-citing-reason-why-you-should-vote |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=FOX 9 |language=en-US}}</ref>
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*[[List of presidents of the Minnesota Senate|President of the Senate]]: [[Bobby Joe Champion]] (since 2023)
*[[List of presidents of the Minnesota Senate|President of the Senate]]: [[Bobby Joe Champion]] (since 2023)
*[[List of majority leaders of the Minnesota Senate|Senate majority leader]]: [[Erin Murphy (Minnesota politician)|Erin Murphy]] (since 2023)
*[[List of majority leaders of the Minnesota Senate|Senate majority leader]]: [[Erin Murphy (Minnesota politician)|Erin Murphy]] (since 2023)
*[[List of speakers of the Minnesota House of Representatives|House speaker]]: [[Melissa Hortman]] (since 2019)
*[[List of majority leaders of the Minnesota House of Representatives|House majority leader]]: [[Jamie Long]] (since 2023)


===Municipal===
===Municipal===
Line 174: Line 172:
* Brian Melendez (2005–2011)
* Brian Melendez (2005–2011)
* [[Ken Martin]] (2011–2025)
* [[Ken Martin]] (2011–2025)
* Richard Carlbom (2025-present)
* Richard Carlbom (2025–present)


== Electoral history ==
== Electoral history ==
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[[Category:Political parties established in 1944]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1944]]
[[Category:1944 establishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:1944 establishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Progressivism in the United States]]

Revision as of 22:49, 19 June 2025

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The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) is a political party in the U.S. state of Minnesota affiliated with the national Democratic Party.[1][2] The party was formed by a merger between the Minnesota Democratic Party and the Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party in 1944.[3] The DFL is one of two state Democratic Party affiliates with a different name from that of the national party, the other being the neighboring North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party.[1]

The DFL controls four of Minnesota's eight U.S. House seats, both of its U.S. Senate seats, the Minnesota Senate, and all other statewide offices, including the governorship, making it the dominant party in the state. Its main political rival is the Republican Party of Minnesota.

History

During the 1930s, the Farmer–Labor Party had gained traction with radical platforms that challenged economic and social inequalities, backed by Governor Floyd B. Olson. However, by 1938, the party's influence waned due to internal conflicts and accusations of incompetence and corruption, leading to a loss in gubernatorial elections.

On April 15, 1944, the Farmer–Labor Party merged with the Minnesota Democratic Party, forming the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL).[4] Leading the merger effort were Elmer Kelm, the head of the Minnesota Democratic Party and the founding chairman of the DFL; Elmer Benson, effectively the head of the Farmer–Labor Party by virtue of his leadership of its dominant left-wing faction; and rising star Hubert H. Humphrey, who chaired the Fusion Committee that accomplished the union and then went on to chair its first state convention.[5] This merger marked a pivotal shift influenced by academic liberals at the University of Minnesota who advocated for integrating the New Deal's progressive reforms within a more centralized, managerial political framework, transitioning from the movement-oriented politics of the Farmer-Labor party to a structure that emphasized interest-group pluralism.

During the post-war years, the DFL confronted various social issues, including antisemitism, which reflected broader national conversations about race and ethnicity. The DFL also navigated with its stance on civil rights and economic justice, influenced significantly by Minnesota's small but politically active African American communities. In early 1946, as a Fair Employment Practice (FEPC) bill was moving through Congress, there was a surge of civil rights activism in the Twin Cities.[6]

Factional battles were intensified by differing views on how to address the left-wing influence within the party, with significant conflicts between proponents of Henry A. Wallace's progressive policies and the more moderate wing led by figures like Hubert Humphrey. By the party's second convention in 1946, tensions had re-emerged between members of the two former parties. While the majority of delegates supported left-wing policies, Humphrey managed to install a more conservative, anti-communist ally, Orville Freeman, as party secretary.[7] Some disaffected Farmer–Labor leaders such as Benson moved to the Progressive Party.[3] Freeman was elected the state's first DFL governor in 1954. Important members of the party have included Humphrey and Walter Mondale, who each went on to be United States senators, vice presidents of the United States, and unsuccessful Democratic nominees for president; Eugene McCarthy, a U.S. senator who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1968 as an anti-Vietnam War candidate; Paul Wellstone, a U.S. senator from 1991 to 2002 who became an icon of populist progressivism;[8] Amy Klobuchar, a U.S. senator who ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020;[9] Dean Phillips, a U.S. representative who ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2024;[10] and Tim Walz, two-term governor chosen as Kamala Harris' running mate in the 2024 presidential election.[11] The DFL has had varied success beginning in the late 1970s and through the late 2010s, in part due to the growth of single-issue splinter groups after reforms brought by the national party.[5]

Following the 2022 Minnesota elections, the DFL became the dominant party in the state, retaining every executive office, winning majorities in the state House and Senate, and re-electing all incumbent congressional representatives. With their newly elected trifecta, the DFL pursued a progressive agenda in their first legislative session. Governor Tim Walz described the session as "the most successful legislative session, certainly in many of our lifetimes and maybe in Minnesota history."[12] The newly elected government passed large expansions in welfare programs and spending. Notable policies passed include the expansion of abortion rights, new programs to provide reproductive healthcare, protection of gender affirming care,[13] the legalization of recreational cannabis, indexing education spending to inflation, investments in public transit, and paid sick leave for Minnesota workers.[13][14] Former president Barack Obama praised the state government's actions, saying that "Minnesota has made progress on a whole host of issues – from protecting abortion rights and new gun safety measures to expanding access to the ballot and reducing child poverty. These laws will make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans."[15]

Party organization

File:MinnesotaDFLconvention2006-06-08.JPG
DFL logo used on the lectern of the 2006 state convention

The DFL is governed by a state central committee, which is composed of representatives from each of the state's congressional districts. The state central committee is responsible for setting the party's platform, electing party officers, and conducting other party business. The DFL also has a constitution and bylaws that govern its operations.[2]

Community caucuses

The party operates several community caucuses that organize and represent different communities within Minnesota; they not defined geographically.[16] These include the:

Voter base

The DFL's base of support is diverse, and it includes urban and suburban voters, working class voters, labor unions, environmentalists, and other progressive groups.[19] The party has a strong presence in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.[20] The DFL has lost support in traditional DFL strongholds such as the Iron Range since 2016.[21]

Current elected officials

Federal

U.S. Senate

U.S. House of Representatives

Out of the eight seats Minnesota is apportioned in the U.S. House of Representatives, four are held by members of the DFL.

State

Statewide

State legislative leaders

Municipal

Mayors

Leadership

File:The Minnesota DFL Booth at the Minnesota State Fair (53956129681).jpg
DFL booth at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair

Current

  • Chair: Richard Carlbom (since 2025)[22]
  • Vice chair: Marge Hoffa (since 2011)
  • Second vice chair: Shivanthi Sathanandan (since 2021)
  • Treasurer: Lindy Sowmick (since 2025)
  • Secretary: Ceri Everett (since 2021)
  • Outreach officer: Quentin Wathum-Ocama (since 2025)

Historical party chairs

Through 1975, the party's constitution called for the election of a separate chairman and chairwoman to head state party activities. Only the chairman received compensation. In the mid-1970s, the party voted to change the titles of the chief party offices to chair and associate chair, specifying that they must both be salaried and must be of the opposite sex.

<templatestyles src="Col-begin/styles.css"/>

State chairs

  • Koryne Horbal (1968–1977)
  • Claire Rumpel (1978–1979)
  • Mike Hatch (1980–1983)
  • Mary Monahan (1983–1985)
  • Ruth Stanoch (1985–1989)
  • Todd Otis (1990–1993)
  • Rick Stafford (1993–1995)
  • Mark Andrew (1995–1997)
  • Richard Senese (1997–1999)
  • Mike Erlandson (1999–2005)
  • Brian Melendez (2005–2011)
  • Ken Martin (2011–2025)
  • Richard Carlbom (2025–present)

Electoral history

Federal

U.S. Senate

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U.S. House

Election Votes % Seats (MN) ±
2000 1,234,204 52.2 Template:Composition bar Decrease 1
2002 1,097,911 49.9 Template:Composition bar Decrease 1
2004 1,399,624 51.4 Template:Composition bar Steady 0
2006 1,152,621 52.9 Template:Composition bar Increase 1
2008 1,612,480 57.5 Template:Composition bar Steady 0
2010 1,002,026 47.9 Template:Composition bar Decrease 1
2012 985,760 55.5 Template:Composition bar Increase 1
2014 985,760 50.2 Template:Composition bar Steady 0
2016 1,434,590 50.2 Template:Composition bar Steady 0
2018 1,420,748 55.1 Template:Composition bar Steady 0
2020 1,554,373 48.7 Template:Composition bar Decrease 1
2022 1,250,479 50.1 Template:Composition bar Steady 0
2024 1,579,742 50.2 Template:Composition bar Steady 0

State

Governor

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Year Candidate Votes % Won
1944 Byron G. Allen 430,132 37.8 No
1946 Harold H. Barker 349,565 39.7 No
1948 Charles Halsted 545,766 45.1 No
1950 Harry H. Peterson 400,637 38.3 No
1952 Orville Freeman 624,480 44.0 No
1954 607,099 52.7 Yes
1956 731,180 51.4 Yes
1958 658,326 56.8 Yes
1960 760,934 49.1 No
1962 Karl Rolvaag 619,842 49.7 Yes
1966 607,943 46.9 No
1970 Wendell Anderson 737,921 54.0 Yes
1974 786,787 62.8 Yes
1978 Rudy Perpich 718,244 45.3 No
1982 718,244 58.8 Yes
1986 790,138 56.1 Yes
1990 836,218 46.8 No
1994 John Marty 589,344 34.1 No
1998 Skip Humphrey 587,528 28.1 No
2002 Roger Moe 821,268 36.5 No
2006 Mike Hatch 1,007,460 45.7 No
2010 Mark Dayton 919,232 43.6 Yes
2014 989,113 50.1 Yes
2018 Tim Walz 1,393,096 53.8 Yes
2022 1,312,349 52.3 Yes

Minnesota Senate

Election Votes % Seats ± Majority
1976 1,024,624 51.9 Template:Composition bar Yes
1980 1,024,624 49.3 Template:Composition bar Decrease 3 Yes
1982 951,287 51.8 Template:Composition bar Decrease 4 Yes
1986 765,584 52.6 Template:Composition bar Increase 5 Yes
1990 990,513 53.7 Template:Composition bar Decrease 1 Yes
1992 1,247,594 53.0 Template:Composition bar Decrease 1 Yes
1996 1,129,095 51.1 Template:Composition bar Decrease 3 Yes
2000 1,219,497 49.6 Template:Composition bar Decrease 3 Yes
2002 1,080,975 49.7 Template:Composition bar Decrease 4 Yes
2006 1,183,319 55.3 Template:Composition bar Increase 6 Yes
2010 1,005,132 48.9 Template:Composition bar Decrease 16 No
2012 1,532,065 55.8 Template:Composition bar Increase 9 Yes
2016 1,409,775 50.1 Template:Composition bar Decrease 6 No
2020 1,577,523 49.8 Template:Composition bar Steady 0 No
2022 1,239,682 50.7 Template:Composition bar Increase 1 Yes

Minnesota House

Election Votes % Seats ± Majority
2002 1,034,046 47.8 Template:Composition bar Decrease 11 No
2004 1,381,412 51.2 Template:Composition bar Increase 13 No
2006 1,169,298 54.9 Template:Composition bar Increase 19 Yes
2008 1,516,633 54.9 Template:Composition bar Increase 2 Yes
2010 995,853 48.5 Template:Composition bar Decrease 25 No
2012 1,468,364 53.7 Template:Composition bar Increase 11 Yes
2014 944,961 49.3 Template:Composition bar Decrease 11 No
2016 1,366,375 49.1 Template:Composition bar Decrease 4 No
2018 1,388,938 54.4 Template:Composition bar Increase 18 Yes
2020 1,601,357 51.1 Template:Composition bar Decrease 5 Yes
2022 1,237,520 50.9 Template:Composition bar Steady 0 Yes
2024 1,545,213 49.9 Template:Composition bar Decrease 3 No

See also

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References

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Further reading

  • Delton, Jennifer A. Making Minnesota Liberal: Civil Rights and the Transformation of the Democratic Party. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2002.
  • Haynes, John Earl. "Farm Coops and the Election of Hubert Humphrey to the Senate". Agricultural History 57, no. 2 (Fall 1983).
  • Haynes, John Earl. Dubious Alliance: The Making of Minnesota's DFL Party. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1984.
  • Henrickson, Gary P. Minnesota in the "McCarthy" Period: 1946–1954. Ph.D. diss. University of Minnesota, 1981.
  • Lebedoff, David. The 21st Ballot: A Political Party Struggle in Minnesota. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1969.
  • Lebedoff, David. Ward Number Six. New York: Scribner, 1972. Discusses the entry of radicals into the DFL party in 1968.
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External links

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Template:MinnesotaPoliticalParties Template:U.S. Democratic Party state parties Template:Authority control

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  5. ↑ a b "DEMOCRATIC-FARMER-LABOR PARTY." n.d. Minnesota Historical Society. Accessed May 26, 2023. http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00586.xml .
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