Republicans gain temporary control of the Minnesota House after a Democrat’s residency ruling, shifting the balance of power and potentially affecting legislative priorities.
At a Glance
- Republicans secure a 67-66 majority in the Minnesota House after Democrat Curtis Johnson resigns
- Johnson’s resignation follows a court ruling that he failed to meet residency requirements
- A special election is scheduled for January 28 in the Democratic-leaning district
- Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth is set to become House speaker with the GOP’s temporary control
- The outcome of upcoming special elections will determine the long-term balance of power
Temporary Republican Majority in Minnesota House
In a surprising turn of events, Republicans have gained temporary control of the Minnesota House of Representatives with a slim 67-66 majority. This shift occurred after Democrat Curtis Johnson decided not to appeal a court ruling that found him ineligible to represent his district due to residency issues. Johnson’s subsequent resignation has altered the balance of power in the state legislature, potentially impacting which legislative measures gain traction in the upcoming session.
The court’s decision came after Republican Paul Wikstrom challenged Johnson’s residency, presenting evidence that included surveillance video and photos. This legal challenge ultimately led to Johnson’s disqualification and resignation, paving the way for the temporary Republican majority.
Special Election and Its Implications
A special election has been scheduled for January 28 in the Democratic-leaning district to fill the vacant seat. This election will be crucial in determining the long-term balance of power in the Minnesota House. Democrats remain confident that they will reclaim the seat, given the district’s historical voting patterns.
“While I disagree with the conclusions reached by the District Court, I recognize that whatever the decision on appeal, the ultimate decision belongs to the Legislature. Rather than dragging this out further, I have decided to resign now, so that a special election can be held as soon as possible,” Johnson said.
The temporary nature of this Republican majority highlights the fragility of power in Minnesota’s divided Legislature. The outcome of this special election, along with another pending for a Senate seat, will be critical in shaping the state’s legislative agenda for the coming year.
Republican Plans and Democratic Response
With their newfound majority, Republicans are poised to take control of House committees, potentially advancing their agenda and launching investigations. Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth is set to become the new House speaker, signaling a significant shift in leadership.
“This confirms that Republicans will have an organizational majority on day one, and we look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B in the upcoming legislative session,” Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth said.
Democrats, however, argue that Republicans need at least 68 seats to effectively control the House or pass laws. This dispute over the threshold for control adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political situation.
The situation in the House is further complicated by the current state of the Minnesota Senate, which is evenly split at 33-33 following the death of Democratic Sen. Kari Dziedzic. A special election for Dziedzic’s Senate seat has not yet been scheduled, adding another element of uncertainty to the state’s political landscape.
Republicans have control for now – but it’ll take a fight to keep it.
