I’m relieved that the cottage industry of “Why did the Iron Range turn red” political analysis has mostly dried up. I wrote or participated in many such stories, but it grew tiresome. The region shifted from DFL to Republican, fueled by demographic and cultural changes, along with economic estrangement from the state’s wealthier metro area. A few hot button issues — mining, immigration, the pandemic response — served as an accelerant. The way people consumed media and shared opinion rapidly changed, acting as oxygen for the fire.
Ditto, by the way, for many rural or industrial parts of America.
But the Iron Range’s unique 80-year regional political alignment couldn’t change so quickly without a few stretch marks and awkward transitions. And we can’t rule out that the change might yet take some new form, though a return to the old days seems thoroughly out of the question.
Today’s column (gift link) explores one issue where the rubber of our region’s political transition hit the road of its core economic values. Even as the Range becomes more Republican, it remains committed to labor unions. Yet, nearly all of these unions formed despite the hostile historic resistance of Republicans. Between private and public sectors, trade and industrial professions, unions yet thrive. That’s because this entire political condition ties to personal economics (how this affects me) and unity (the “us” vs. “them” vibes that permeate local society).
So what happens when a president who inspired so many rank-and-file union members fails to back key aspects of trade unionism? That’s what happened recently with a dustup over federal highway funding and project labor agreements. Such agreements are required in St. Louis County. After a small political firestorm, the county found a temporary solution for this year. But they risked losing millions, or inviting non-union contractors into the mix. The discussion highlighted the choices that lie ahead for voters who seem to simultaneously want something different and for things to stay the same.
At some point, you can’t have it both ways.
Read “Federal funding uncertainty puts St. Louis County union labor in limbo,” in the Monday, April 20, 2026 edition of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist and member of the editorial board for the Minnesota Star Tribune. His new book about Hibbing Mayor Victor Power and his momentous fight against the world’s largest corporation will be out soon.
