Republicans in Minnesota will begin the year with a temporary majority in the State House after a Democrat, Curtis Johnson, decided not to appeal a judge’s ruling that he failed to establish residency in the suburban district he was elected to represent. This decision gives Republicans a slim 67-66 majority in the House as the Legislature convenes on January 14. However, a special election scheduled by Governor Tim Walz in the Democratic-leaning district that Johnson won by 30 points in November could potentially change this majority.
The ruling by Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro found that Johnson did not live in the Roseville-area district for the required six months before the election and was therefore ineligible to serve. Johnson’s Republican challenger, Paul Wikstrom, presented surveillance video and photos in court to support this claim, showing that Johnson did not reside in the apartment he claimed as his residence. The lack of utility hookups and regular activity at the apartment further reinforced this conclusion.
Republican Representative Lisa Demuth, who is in line to become House Speaker with the GOP in control, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision standing. Previously, leaders of both parties had been negotiating a power-sharing agreement, given the expected 67-67 split in the chamber. Republicans having an organizational majority on day one means they will have control of committees to advance bills to the floor, potentially forcing Democrats from swing districts to make tough decisions on legislation.
Although Democrats argue that Republicans would need at least 68 seats to control the House, they still hold a narrow one-vote majority in the Senate combined with Walz’s veto power, which can prevent the passage of laws. However, the GOP still has the ability to push its agenda and could launch investigations into the Walz administration. Demuth questioned the legality of Walz setting the special election before the Legislature certifies the vacancy, which could extend Republican control of the House. Democrats are confident they will win the special election and maintain their majority in District 40B, according to current House Speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman.
The special election in District 40B will allow the voters to ensure representation in the Minnesota House for the majority of the session, which Democrats believe will result in electing a Democrat by overwhelming margins. A pending court challenge in a different suburban district involving incumbent Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke could also affect the balance of power in the House. Tabke was declared the winner by 14 votes over Republican Aaron Paul despite 20 missing ballots that were accepted but never counted and then apparently thrown away. His attorneys presented six affected voters who testified in support of Tabke, potentially securing his win. A judge is expected to decide on this case in the next few weeks.
