Minnesota's 3rd congressional district encompasses the suburbs of Hennepin and Anoka counties to the west, south, and north of Minneapolis.

The district includes the blue collar cities of Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids to the north-east, middle-income Bloomington to the south, and higher-income Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnetonka, and Wayzata to the west.

12 percent of residents of the 3rd congressional district are immigrants; the largest countries of origin being India, Mexico, Laos, Liberia, and Vietnam.

The largest immigrant populations in the district are concentrated in Brooklyn Park, one of the most culturally diverse cities in Minnesota, as well as in Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

It was described as "decidedly low-keyed", notable for a lack of attack ads or advertising in general.