[1] Culturally, it is distinct from the Twin Cities in being generally more conservative and staid, with several more diverse areas, such as the college towns of Northfield and Winona.
Until 2006, the state's only Independence Party legislator was from Southeast Minnesota, Sheila Kiscaden (IP-Rochester, now DFL-Rochester).
Formerly a Republican, Kiscaden is now officially a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Additionally, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tim Waltz won the first congressional district in 2018.
[2] Many places in Southeast Minnesota, like Lanesboro, have become popular tourist destinations.