District and Minnesota Facts

Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District spans the width of the entire southern metro area and contains all of Carver, Scott, Le Sueur, Goodhue, and Rice Counties. It contains all but the northern tip of Dakota County. South Washington County is the north eastern district line and contains the cities of Cottage Grove and the southern part of Woodbury. Only one precinct in the district is in Hennepin County. Most of the population of the district resides in the northern three counties, with Burnsville and Eagan as the largest cities in the district.

The 2nd district contains and utilizes almost every type of transportation infrastructure. Three of Minnesota’s largest rivers run through the 2nd district: the Mississippi (with two lock and dams), the Minnesota, and the St. Croix. Interstates I-35E and I-35W merge in the district in addition to the southern thoroughfares of Highway 169 and Highway 52 and northern Highway 212. The 2nd district is also home to many rail lines that transport grains and other materials.

The suburban areas in the northern part of the district blend into the rural farmland in the south. The district’s economy is diversified, including agriculture, small businesses, and large corporations. Some of the largest employers in the district are Thomson Reuters, Blue Cross Blue Shield, 3M, Cambria, and Red Wing Shoes.

The 2nd district is also home to prestigious colleges St. Olaf and Carleton in Northfield. Minnesota’s largest amusement park, Valley Fair, is in Shakopee; and Le Sueur, in the southwestern portion of the district, is the birthplace of the world famous Jolly Green Giant food products.

Some of the oldest cities in Minnesota are in the district including Hastings and Red Wing. In summer, the district is filled with heritage festivals and town celebrations, such as Kolacky Days in Montgomery, The Pine Island Cheese Festival, and Shakopee Derby Days.