Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
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|---|---|
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| Abbreviation | DFL |
| Chairperson | Ken Martin |
| Governor | Tim Walz |
| Lieutenant Governor | Peggy Flanagan |
| Senate President | Bobby Joe Champion |
| Senate Leader | Erin Murphy |
| House Speaker | Melissa Hortman |
| Founded | April 15, 1944 |
| Merger of | Minnesota Democratic Party and Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party |
| Headquarters | 255 Plato Boulevard East Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Youth wing | Minnesota Young DFL (MYDFL) |
| Ideology | Modern liberalism Progressivism |
| National affiliation | Democratic Party |
| Colors | Blue |
| State Senate |
34 / 67
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| State House |
70 / 134
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| Statewide Executive Offices |
5 / 5
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| U.S. Senate |
2 / 2
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| U.S. House of Representatives |
4 / 8
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The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) is a major political party in Minnesota, a state in the U.S. It is connected to the national Democratic Party. The DFL is currently the most powerful party in Minnesota.
They hold many important positions. These include four of Minnesota's eight seats in the U.S. House, both of its U.S. Senate seats, and control of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate. They also hold all statewide offices, like the governor. The DFL's main political competitor is the Republican Party of Minnesota.
The DFL was created on April 15, 1944. It was formed when two older parties, the Minnesota Democratic Party and the Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party, joined together. The DFL is one of only two state Democratic Party groups in the U.S. that has a different name from the national party. The other is the North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party.
Contents
A Brief History of the DFL
Before the DFL was formed, the Farmer-Labor Party was popular in the 1930s. They wanted to fix problems with money and fairness for everyone. However, by 1938, this party became weaker due to disagreements and problems.
In 1944, the Farmer-Labor Party merged with the Democratic Party. This created the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL). Important leaders like Elmer Kelm, Elmer Benson, and Hubert Humphrey helped make this happen. This merger helped bring new ideas from the New Deal era into the party.
After World War II, the DFL worked on important social issues. They focused on civil rights and making sure everyone was treated fairly. This was especially important for Minnesota's African American communities.
The party also faced some disagreements among its members. Some supported Henry A. Wallace's ideas, while others, like Hubert Humphrey, preferred a more moderate approach. Despite these challenges, the DFL grew stronger. Orville Freeman became the first DFL governor in 1954.
Many famous politicians have been part of the DFL. These include Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale, who both became U.S. Senators and Vice Presidents. Eugene McCarthy was another U.S. Senator who ran for president in 1968, speaking out against the Vietnam War. Paul Wellstone was also a U.S. Senator known for his focus on helping everyday people.
After the 2022 Minnesota elections, the DFL became very powerful in Minnesota. They won every top executive office and gained control of both the state House and Senate. Governor Tim Walz said this was a very successful time for Minnesota's government. The DFL passed many new laws. These laws included support for healthcare, protecting gender affirming care, increasing money for schools, improving public transportation, and giving workers paid sick leave. Former President Barack Obama even praised Minnesota's actions.
How the DFL Party Works
The DFL is run by a group called the state central committee. This committee has members from different areas of Minnesota. They decide what the party believes in, choose party leaders, and handle other important tasks. The DFL also has a constitution and bylaws that guide how it operates.
Community Groups within the DFL
The DFL has many special groups called "community caucuses." These groups help organize and represent different communities in Minnesota that are not based on where people live. Some of these groups include:
- African American Caucus: For African Americans.
- Asian Pacific American Caucus: For Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans.
- Disability Caucus: Helps Minnesotans with disabilities.
- Environmental Caucus: Works for environmental protection and a healthy planet.
- Feminist Caucus: Focuses on women's issues.
- Hmong American Caucus: For Hmong Americans, a large Asian American group in Minnesota.
- Latino Caucus (Movimiento): For Latino Americans.
- Minnesota Young DFL: For young people interested in politics.
- Muslim Caucus: For Muslims in the state.
- Native People's Caucus: Supports Native Americans and tribal communities.
- Progressive Caucus: Supports progressive ideas and wants to reduce the influence of big money in politics.
- Rural Caucus: Supports Minnesota's countryside communities.
- Senior Caucus: Helps senior citizens.
- Somali American Caucus: For Somali Americans.
- Stonewall DFL: For LGBTQ+ Minnesotans.
- Veterans Caucus: For veterans and their families.
Who Supports the DFL?
The DFL gets support from many different kinds of voters. This includes people from cities and suburbs, working-class people, labor unions, and environmental groups. The party is very strong in the Twin Cities area. However, the DFL has lost some support in areas like the Iron Range since 2016.
Current DFL Leaders
The DFL has many members serving in important government roles.
Federal Government Leaders
U.S. Senate
- Amy Klobuchar (since 2007)
- Tina Smith (since 2018)
U.S. House of Representatives
Out of Minnesota's eight seats in the U.S. House, four are held by DFL members:
- 2nd district: Angie Craig (since 2019)
- 3rd district: Dean Phillips (since 2019)
- 4th district: Betty McCollum (since 2001)
- 5th district: Ilhan Omar (since 2019)
State Government Leaders
Statewide Offices
- Governor: Tim Walz (since 2019)
- Lieutenant Governor: Peggy Flanagan (since 2019)
- Secretary of State: Steve Simon (since 2015)
- State Auditor: Julie Blaha (since 2019)
- Attorney General: Keith Ellison (since 2019)
State Legislative Leaders
- President of the Senate: Bobby Joe Champion (since 2023)
- Senate Majority Leader: Erin Murphy (since 2023)
- House Speaker: Melissa Hortman (since 2019)
- House Majority Leader: Jamie Long (since 2023)
City Mayors
- Minneapolis: Jacob Frey (since 2018)
- Saint Paul: Melvin Carter (since 2018)
- Duluth: Roger Reinert (since 2024)
Party Leadership
- Chair: Ken Martin (since 2011)
- Party Vice Chair: Marge Hoffa (since 2011)
- Second Vice Chair: Shivanthi Sathanandan (since 2021)
- Treasurer: Leah Midgarden (since 2021)
- Secretary: Ceri Everett (since 2021)
- Outreach Officer: Cheniqua Johnson (since 2021)
Past Party 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)
Images for kids
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The DFL logo at a 2006 state meeting.
See also
- List of political parties in Minnesota
- Political party strength in Minnesota
- Politics of Minnesota
