Saint Paul, Minn. – On Friday, January 24, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Republicans’ attempted power grab in the Minnesota House violated the state Constitution. The Court’s ruling effectively invalidates every action Republicans took since the first day of session on January 14, 2025.
Democrats have been hard at work in their districts over the first two weeks of session, and say they are ready to return to the State Capitol right away if Republicans agree to not kick out a duly elected DFL state representative from Shakopee and govern under shared power if the House returns to a 67-67 tie after a special election in a Roseville area district.
“The voters delivered a Minnesota House of Representatives where neither party has a majority. The only way the Minnesota House will function is if we work together," said Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman. "Democrats are asking Republicans for something very simple: to honor the will of the voters in Shakopee and statewide.”
Republicans continue to dodge questions about whether they will use a temporary one-seat advantage to kick out Representative Brad Tabke of Shakopee. On January 14, a district court judge ruled that Tabke received the most votes. On January 24, the Republican who lost to Tabke declined to appeal the judge’s ruling to the Minnesota Supreme Court.
“Make no mistake, Republicans’ power grab is not over because they are still determined to kick out a duly elected DFL state representative who won on election night, in a recount, and in court,” said Floor Leader Jamie Long. “The people of Shakopee deserve to decide who represents them in the Minnesota House, not 67 Republican politicians in Saint Paul.”