ALANA (African Latino Asian and Native American) voters play a critical role in many legislative districts in Minnesota (see below). In an earlier report I documented the ethnic economy in all legislative districts and the state and offered ideas to build wealth. This economic representation is critical as ALANA leaders were a party at the table during the Redistricting process making the case for adequate economic representation. The resulting legislative districts reflect these economic interests. There are some interesting power dynamics at play at the State Capitol very sharply defined in the battle over “direct appropriations.”
I want to present data to show why elected leaders from both the GOP and DFL need to take the ALANA vote seriously. It builds on some earlier analysis on the critical role of the ALANA voter.
In races for the Minnesota House for the last 2024 election I looked at the margin of victory across legislative districts and identified those districts where the percentage of ALANA population is greater than that margin of victory – implying that the ALANA vote could swing those races.
GOP Analysis
In at least 13 Greater Minnesota and Suburban House races, GOP candidates won election in districts where the percentage of ALANA population was greater than the margin of victory in that close race. In 2 races the percentage of ALANA population was almost equal to the margin of victory. Implication – in a split House scenario ALANA voters could flip that district if they are not adequately represented. Similar trends can be found in the Senate close races.
DFL Analysis
In at least 23 House races in Greater Minnesota and the Suburbs, DFL candidates won the election by a margin that was smaller than the percentage of ALANA population in that district. Implication – in a split House scenario ALANA voters could flip that district if they are not adequately represented. Similar trends can be found in the Senate races.
Very often ALANA leaders in safe districts – so called majority minority districts are called upon to put the “greater good” before the economic representation needed in their districts and statewide. So why can’t their peers in Greater Minnesota and the suburbs support long term efforts for ALANA wealth building and workforce development, affordable education and career success?
The bottom line is that ALANA voters historically and more so currently played a critical role in the electoral success of various candidates elected to the State Capitol and Congress. Their economic interests need to have thoughtful and adequate representation, failing which there can be some more surprises in the next election.
ALANA voters need to also feel respected and ethically troublesome strategies of painting the community in a negative light when the facts speak otherwise, should cease.
I will be happy to share this data with anyone – what would be better – elected leaders do their own analysis and ask the question – Am I adequately representing the ALANA population in my district? Voters are watching…
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