Dear Neighbors, It’s an honor to be your new representative in the Minnesota House. I am deeply committed to serving the residents of Central Downtown, Elliot Park, Loring Park, the Wedge, Harrison, Bryn Mawr, East Isles, Lowry Hill, Kenwood, and Cedar-Isles-Dean and working tirelessly to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing our community. The beginning of session is normally celebratory, as the House convenes after many months and members are sworn in. The lead up to the 2025 session has unfortunately been unlike any other. This past election, Minnesotans voted for equal numbers of Democratic and Republican state representatives. A 67-67 tie in the 134-member Minnesota House of Representatives is extremely rare, but I was really looking forward to the opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to show Minnesotans that we can govern together on a bipartisan basis. The only way to respect the will of the voters is to seat all duly-elected members and to share power equally. I’m ready to work with my Republican colleagues and govern on a bipartisan basis to tackle the challenges Minnesotans elected us to address. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have refused to successfully conclude power sharing negotiations and are now attempting to engage in an illegitimate power grab. Tuesday, they attempted to use a temporary, one-seat advantage to seize control of the House for the next two years. They operated under illegal proceedings - including ushering in the invalid election of a House Speaker. They also made an unprecedented threat to deny the seat of duly elected DFL Representative Brad Tabke, thereby ignoring the judge’s order that he “remains the candidate with the most votes legally cast” in the election and that “there is no basis in fact or law for holding a special election”. Disenfranchising the 21,980 voters in this race is simply not right. I’m told this has never been done in Minnesota history. I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to abandon their illegitimate power grab, honor the election results, and sign a power-sharing agreement. A majority in the Minnesota House is 68 members, Republicans have only 67 members, and it takes 68 votes to pass a bill, which means we have to work together on a bipartisan basis to get things done. As I have spoken with residents in the district, I have heard overwhelming support for ensuring the will of Minnesota voters is recognized in the Minnesota House. Minnesotans voted for a tied House. It should be governed as such. I stand united with my DFL colleagues to use every tool at our disposal to honor the will of the voters. While we will continue to deny quorum until Republicans return to the negotiating table and agree to seat Representative Tabke, I am doing the work needed to move forward with our legislative priorities and ensuring that the voices of those in our community are heard throughout this process. I believe in a government that is responsive to the needs of its people. A big thank you to everyone who welcomed me unofficially at our town hall gatherings last week!  I was officially sworn in last Sunday, and I look forward to continuing this work and engaging closely with you to build a more just, resilient and thriving future for Minnesota.  Please never hesitate to reach out with questions and about the issues important to you and our community. You're welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page for additional updates. If you have friends or neighbors who may be interested in receiving these updates, they can subscribe here. It’s an honor to represent you in the Minnesota House! Sincerely, Katie Jones
State Representative |