New statewide polling indicates affordability, job creation through responsible mining are top-of-mind for Minnesotans 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Paul, MN: A poll commissioned by Jobs for Minnesotans shows that affordability and economic growth that creates good-paying jobs are key priorities to the state’s electorate. The poll, conducted in November 2025, surveyed 600 Minnesotans on issues including jobs, housing, natural resources, and more. 

As Jobs advocates for outcomes that allow Minnesota to thrive, polling data provides a holistic view of the state of play in Minnesota, and attitudes towards the stakeholders, issues, and industries that impact our everyday lives.

KEY FINDINGS

• Business expansion and growth: 72% of voters want a candidate that helps businesses in the state expand and grow
• Cost-of-living dominates: More than 90% say jobs and rural economic opportunity are important in rural communities 
• Mining equates to jobs and values: 75% of respondents are more likely to back a candidate supporting environmentally responsible mining; 59% trust DNR oversight; ~3/4 support mining for rural jobs and essential materials

“Jobs for Minnesotans is leading the way in advocating for tangible change to attract and build responsible industries that will expand opportunities in our state. The statewide bipartisan polling data released by Jobs for Minnesotans this week reflects these realities and confirms that Minnesotans strongly support policies focused on affordability and economic growth,” said Jobs for Minnesotans executive director, Dave Lislegard. “This polling demonstrates that our organization’s mission to move forward responsible projects, create good paying union jobs and bring investment to communities across the state has never been more imperative.”

The polling aligns directly with Jobs’ new YesMN! campaign, a campaign encouraging Minnesotans to say  “yes” to responsible projects, union jobs, community investment, and a Minnesota that will lead again in economic investment. 

See the full memo and learn more about the polling here. 

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About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 70,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 members and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.

Press Contact
Samantha Hanson, samantha@giantvoices.com, (218) 576-7236