The results were notable because it was the only state that was won by Florida senator Marco Rubio. He won 36.5% of the popular vote and received 17 national delegates. He had a particularly strong showing in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th congressional districts.[1] Rubio's success in Minnesota followed a substantial campaigning effort in the state, including a rally in Anoka County on the day of the caucus.
Minnesota was also one of the rare states where then-candidate Donald Trump finished in third place, behind both Rubio and Texas senator Ted Cruz. Analysts attributed Rubio's success in Minnesota to several factors, including the state's caucus format, which tends to favor candidates with strong organizational structures and active, engaged supporters. Additionally, the high proportion of college-educated voters in Minnesota was seen as favorable to Rubio, who tended to perform well with this demographic.[2]
The Minnesota caucus experienced a high voter turnout, with reports of many attending a caucus for the first time. This surge led to organizational difficulties, such as overcrowding and ballot shortages. In some locations, volunteers struggled to manage the influx of participants.[3]
^Jeb Bush 7%, Chris Christie 5%, other 6%, undecided 9%
^Jeb Bush 9%, Carly Fiorina 4%, Rand Paul 3%, Mike Huckabee 2%, others 4%, undecided 13%
^Scott Walker 19%, Jeb Bush 15%, Mike Huckabee 6%, Rand Paul 5%, Chris Christie 4%, Carly Fiorina 3%, John Kasich 3%, Bobby Jindal 1%, Rick Perry 0%, Rick Santorum 0%, Lindsey Graham 0%, George Pataki 0%, Jim Gilmore 0%, undecided 1%
^Jeb Bush 14.94%, Rick Perry 14.94%, Chris Christie 9.20%, Rand Paul 5.75%, Rick Santorum 4.60%, Condoleezza Rice 3.45%, Scott Walker 3.45%, Bobby Jindal 2.30%, Sarah Palin 2.30%, Paul Ryan 2.30%, Mike Huckabee 1.15%, undecided 13.79%
Florida senator Marco Rubio emerged as the winner of the caucus, securing 41,126 (36.5%) votes, which translated to 17 delegates. Ted Cruz, senator from Texas, came in second with 32,684 (29.0%) votes, earning 13 delegates. Donald Trump, who was leading in most other GOP Super Tuesday states, came in third place in Minnesota with 24,018 (21.3%) votes and received 8 delegates.
^Andrews, Wilson; Bloch, Matthew; Bowers, Jeremy; Giratikanon, Tom (February 1, 2016). "Minnesota Caucus Election Results 2016". The New York Times. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
