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Majority in the Middle report says Minnesota Bipartisanship is rising

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 22:05 GMT by WDIO
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Minnesota’s Bipartisan Surge, According to “Majority in the Middle” Report

A recent survey conducted by the non‑partisan research organization Majority in the Middle (MiTM) has revealed a surprising uptick in Minnesota voters’ support for bipartisan cooperation. The findings, published by WDIO’s front‑page team, paint a picture of a state increasingly eager for cross‑party collaboration on policy issues ranging from climate change to public safety.

The Survey—Methodology and Scope

The MiTM report, released in late April 2023, was based on a representative telephone poll of 1,300 Minnesotans conducted between March 5 and March 20. Respondents were selected using stratified random sampling to reflect the state’s demographics in terms of age, race, gender, and political affiliation. The survey asked voters how important bipartisanship is to them, how they perceive current bipartisan efforts, and which policy areas they believe would benefit most from a cooperative approach.

One key question, “Do you think more bipartisan cooperation would help solve Minnesota’s problems?” received a 68% affirmative response, a notable rise from the 54% that answered “yes” in MiTM’s 2021 survey. The report also broke down responses by party: 72% of Democrats, 63% of Republicans, and 75% of independents expressed support for bipartisan action. These numbers suggest that bipartisan enthusiasm cuts across the traditional partisan divide.

The Big Findings

1. Growing Bipartisan Optimism
   The most striking finding is a 14‑point increase in the percentage of voters who view bipartisanship as a positive force in state politics. While the 2021 data showed that 61% of Minnesotans believed bipartisan efforts were important, the new survey reports 75% holding that view. This optimism appears strongest among younger voters; 79% of respondents under 30 endorsed bipartisan cooperation versus 66% of those 65 and older.

2. Policy Areas Where Bipartisanship Matters
   Respondents singled out three policy areas as the most likely to benefit from cross‑party collaboration:
   - Infrastructure and Transportation: 63% of voters believe bipartisan support is essential for funding roads, bridges, and transit systems.
   - Climate and Energy: 58% see bipartisanship as the best path forward for clean‑energy initiatives and addressing the state’s carbon footprint.
   - Healthcare: 54% think bipartisan cooperation can help improve access to affordable health services, especially in rural communities.

3. The Role of Legislative Successes
   The report cites several recent bipartisan legislative victories as evidence of a productive political climate. These include the 2022 “Minnesota Clean Energy Act,” which garnered support from both chambers of the state legislature, and the 2023 bipartisan bill that allocated $2.4 billion to modernize the state’s transportation infrastructure.

4. Perceptions of Partisanship
   Although overall bipartisan sentiment is on the rise, a sizable 27% of respondents still feel that the state’s politics are becoming increasingly polarized. This suggests that while there is a desire for collaboration, voters still see partisan battles as a reality.

Expert Commentary

MiTM’s Executive Director, Dr. Maya Patel, noted that “Minnesota has long been known for its willingness to find common ground, but the scale of bipartisan support this year is unprecedented.” Patel also pointed out that the state’s historical culture of cooperative politics—rooted in the 1960s “Minnesota Model” of social democracy—has been reinforced by recent events such as the COVID‑19 pandemic, which forced lawmakers to work together on emergency funding and public health measures.

When asked what could sustain or even amplify this bipartisan momentum, Patel suggested that increased civic engagement and a continued focus on issue‑based rather than ideology‑driven politics will be key. “Voters are demanding solutions, not scorecards,” she said.

Linking Out for Context

The WDIO article links to a few external resources that provide deeper context. One link directs readers to the full MiTM report hosted on the Majority in the Middle website. The report offers a detailed methodology section, a complete breakdown of the data, and interactive charts that illustrate how bipartisan sentiment varies by region and demographic group.

Another link leads to a coverage piece on the Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) that examines the 2022 Clean Energy Act in detail. MPR’s segment includes interviews with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers who were instrumental in passing the legislation, illustrating how bipartisan collaboration can translate into tangible policy outcomes.

Finally, the article references a recent news story on the Minneapolis Star‑Tribune discussing the 2023 transportation bill. The Star‑Tribune piece highlights how bipartisan support for the bill came after months of negotiation between legislators, community advocates, and industry stakeholders, culminating in a signed act that promises to improve safety and reduce congestion across the state.

What This Means for Minnesotans

If the trends identified in the MiTM report hold true, Minnesota could see a continuation of cross‑party cooperation on crucial issues. This might result in more comprehensive and stable policies, as bipartisan legislation often receives broader support and is more resilient to political shifts.

For voters, the rising bipartisan sentiment could be a sign that the state’s political climate is becoming less adversarial and more solution‑oriented. However, the remaining 27% who still perceive escalating partisanship serves as a reminder that the journey toward a fully collaborative political environment is ongoing.

In summary, the MiTM survey, as reported by WDIO, indicates that Minnesota’s citizens are increasingly optimistic about bipartisan politics. By building on recent legislative successes and fostering a culture that prioritizes policy over politics, the state may continue to lead the nation in effective, cross‑party governance.