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By Shannon McDonagh
News Reporter
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House Democrats in Minnesota boycotted the opening session of the 2025 legislative calendar on Tuesday, leaving the chamber devoid of their presence in protest of a Republican move to install the GOP leader as state House speaker.
Republicans, holding a temporary one-seat majority, pushed forward despite lacking the required quorum.
Why It Matters
The political stalemate stems from the 2024 election that left the Minnesota House evenly divided at 67-67. But a late December ruling invalidated a Democrat's residency in a heavily Democratic district, temporarily granting Republicans a 67-66 advantage until a special election restores the tie. House Democrats boycotted the opening session, accusing Republicans of exploiting the temporary majority for partisan gain.
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What To Know
The boycott is the first in Minnesota's legislative history and mirrors similar actions taken in Wisconsin and Oregon in past disputes.
Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon announced the House had not reached the 68 members needed for a quorum, declared the chamber adjourned and left. Republicans countered, claiming a quorum of 67 was sufficient given the vacant seat and proceeded to elect Representative Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring as speaker, a move Democrats deemed illegal.
A judge dealt Republicans a setback earlier Tuesday, rejecting their bid to force a special election in a race narrowly won by Democratic incumbent Representative Brad Tabke of Shakopee, who secured victory by just 14 votes. Despite the ruling, Republicans had threatened to block Tabke from being seated in the House, even if the court sided with him.
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Republicans still declared their intent to wield the GOP's temporary majority to its fullest. Representative Harry Niska of Ramsey told reporters the party is prepared to face legal challenges over its actions.
Adding to the uncertainty is the secretary of state's interpretation of the law. Simon asserted he would continue to convene and adjourn the House daily until a quorum of 68 members is present, saying his authority is strictly procedural without the required attendance.
What People Are Saying
Demuth, in her acceptance speech: "We owe it to the people that we represent to debate passionately, but we also owe them the respect of agreeing that sometimes we do disagree. So let's focus on what unites us."
Democratic former Majority Leader Jamie Long, of Minneapolis, posted to X: "Make no mistake: the House was adjourned by Secretary of State Simon with no quorum. The actions of the House GOP were illegal and Lisa Demuth is not speaker."
Democratic former Speaker Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, in a statement: "Democrats have no other recourse to protect the will of the voters than to deny quorum [...] Democrats are united in our will to fight Republican efforts to kick Representative Brad Tabke out of the Minnesota House. We cannot allow Republicans to engage in this unprecedented abuse of power, and we will use every tool at our disposal to block it."
What's Happening Next
The Minnesota House is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, but Democrats have vowed not to return unless Republicans agree to abide by the 68-member quorum rule. Legal proceedings over the legitimacy of Tuesday's actions will without a doubt be at the forefront of discussions.
The special election to fill the contested Democratic seat is set for January 28.
Until then, the House remains deadlocked.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
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