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Special Election Creates Partisan Tie in Minnesota House
As expected, Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) candidate David Gottfried won the March 11 special election in Roseville, restoring the 67-67 split in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The chamber will now operate under the power-sharing agreement negotiated earlier in the session.
The November 2024 election resulted in a 67-67 tie between House Republicans and Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) members. However, the balance shifted to 67-66 in favor of Republicans after a legal challenge regarding the residency of the DFL winner in District 40B (Roseville) led to the elected candidate being deemed ineligible to serve. As a result, the legislative session began with 67 Republicans and 66 DFLers.
Additional background
On Feb. 5, Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election (pdf) , setting March 11 as the date for a special election to fill the vacant District 40B House seat. DFL candidate, David Gottfried, won the election and was sworn in on March 17, restoring the 67-67 partisan tie in House.
Prior to the special election, legislative leaders negotiated a power-sharing arrangement. Republican leader Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and DFL leader Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) agreed on a plan for the remainder of the biennium.
Under the agreement, which was adopted by the full House when they convened with a quorum on Feb. 6, Republicans elected Rep. Demuth as Speaker of the House. She — or another Republican — will hold the position for the current session and next session if Republicans have a majority, or the membership of the body remains tied. During the Republican 67-66 advantage, the GOP caucus controlled House committees and held a one-seat voting edge in committee decisions.
View the power-sharing agreement (pdf).
Moving forward
With the House returning to a 67-67 tie, committees will now be co-chaired by both DFL and Republican members, with equal party representation on each committee. As a result, bipartisan support will be required to advance a bill out of committees. This arrangement is expected to take effect by Tuesday, March 18.
To pass a bill off the House floor, 68 votes are required, so caucus leaders will need to work together to secure bipartisan support for the budget bills that must pass before the new fiscal biennium begins on July 1. The Legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn by May 19. If a budget is not passed prior before the adjournment date, a special session will be necessary. If a budget is not enacted by July 1, the state government would not have funds to operate.
Expect the coming weeks to be busy at the Capitol as bills that may be included in omnibus packages are heard in committees and legislators work to meet agreed-upon deadlines.