In Minnesota’s Most Conservative County, Trump Voters Stand Firm After 100 Days in Office – Star Tribune

Carlton County’s Political Shift: A Century-Long Democratic Stronghold Turns Red

Carlton County, located just southwest of Duluth, Minnesota, has long been a bastion of Democratic support, consistently voting for Democratic presidential candidates since 1928. However, the 2024 election marked a significant departure from this tradition, as the county shifted toward the Republican side, aligning with a broader national trend.

The county’s transformation is attributed to several factors:

• Economic Concerns: Residents express frustration over rising living costs and job losses, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The closure of local factories and a decline in employment at the Sappi paper mill have heightened economic anxiety.

• Cultural Divides: Debates over issues like transgender rights and abortion have resonated with voters who feel that the Democratic Party’s focus on these topics does not address their immediate economic and social concerns.

• Perception of Party Direction: Many locals believe that the Democratic Party has moved too far left, leaving behind the working-class values that once defined it.

This shift is evident in the experiences of residents like Katie Hraban, a 31-year-old mother from Cloquet. Once a supporter of Democratic candidates, Hraban now feels disconnected from the party’s current platform, expressing concerns over its focus on issues she perceives as secondary to the economic challenges facing her community.

The change in Carlton County underscores a broader national trend where rural and working-class voters are reevaluating their political affiliations. As the Democratic Party grapples with these shifts, understanding and addressing the concerns of voters in areas like Carlton County will be crucial for future electoral success.

(startribune.com)

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