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Emmer’s District Partially Explains His Support for Trump

Congressman's conservative district is among the least diverse in Minnesota

Minnesota Republican Rep. Tom Emmer, left talks with Minnesota Democrats Rep. Rick Nolan and Sen. Al Franken at annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition in May. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Minnesota Republican Rep. Tom Emmer, left talks with Minnesota Democrats Rep. Rick Nolan and Sen. Al Franken at annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition in May. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer is one of the few members of Congress who says he is all-in for Donald Trump, but that’s likely a reflection of the district he represents.

Emmer said he is “incredibly comfortable” with his decision to back the Republican presidential nominee, the Star Tribune reported.

This despite the fact that Trump finished third in the district in theMarch GOP caucus, behind Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. Trump also claimed third place statewide, behind the Rubio, the winner, and Cruz. 

[Minnesota Lawmakers Are Making Hotdish Great Again]

But Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District is the most conservative in the state, the newspaper reported, having consistently elected former Rep. Michele Bachmann, who has said she is advising Trump on foreign policy.

In addition, the district is the second least-diverse in the North Star State, with racial minorities making up less than 10 percent of the population. This could insulate Emmer from any backlash from Trump’s inflammatory comments about Mexicans, African-Americans and Muslims.

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