How We Define
The Midwest
What do these seven states have in common?
Majority white electorates, with growing populations of color centered in metropolitan areas. Demographic tipping points are far in the future, so multiracial coalitions extending beyond urban centers are needed to win.
Similar ratios of rural, urban, and micropolitan areas. Most have a few metropolitan areas that can anchor, but not carry, statewide electoral wins.
Post-industrial economies. We must address the true pain and harm of the past, and identify forward-looking economic strategies that resonate with all.
A powerful legacy of labor organizing that is both an engine and funder of organizing. Defending collective bargaining rights is a core policy priority.
Cultural similarities, but with nuances regarding religion and geography.
But we see vastly different outcomes.
Some states are over-performing based on their demographics, others are underperforming.
Over-performance strongly correlates with strong independent political organizing infrastructure.
This makes states like Missouri or Minnesota seem more fundamentally different than they actually are. But, as we showed in the Win the Midwest report, winning multiracial coalitions are possible in every state.
