An early DFL Office in Minnesota

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party was created on April 15, 1944, after the Minnesota Democrats merged with the Farmer-Labor Party. Hubert H. Humphrey was instrumental in the merger and is considered by many to be the founder of Minnesota DFL Party.

The 1918 Nonpartisan League meeting in Carver County

The Party`s history began during the 1920s, when representatives of the Nonpartisan League in Minnesota entered candidates for state election under the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party. The party`s platform consisted of progressive agrarian reform, the protection of farmers and union workers, the public ownership of railroads, utilities, and natural resources, and social security legislation.

Sen. & Mrs. Mondale, V.P. Elect Humphrey, U.S. Sec. of Agriculture Freeman, Mrs. Freeman, and Mrs. Humphrey in January 1965

The Party earned popularity and legislative legitimacy, even gaining victories in Minnesota State and Congressional elections over candidates of the two major parties. From 1921 to 1941, constituents elected three governors, four United States senators, and eight United States representatives under affiliation with the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party. Then, on April 15, 1944 the party united with the Minnesota Democratic Party to form the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

The first DFL governor, Orville Freeman, was elected in 1954. Since then, the DFL Party has earned majorities in the state House and Senate, elected some of our nation`s most respected officials to the U.S. House and Senate, and put a DFLer in the White House with Vice President Walter Mondale.

View a slideshow of the Minnesota DFL Party through the years!