MINNEAPOLIS— The DFL monopoly on power in St. Paul is coming to an end. Democrats retained control of the Minnesota Senate, with Ann John Stewart winning the only Senate race on the ballot.
The Minnesota House does heading to what looks like a draw. Two House of Representatives elections were so close that a recount will probably take place.
If current numbers hold, the House will be tied – if one or both seats go Republican, the Republican Party will be in full control.
Either way, for the first time since 2023, Republicans will be able to block DFL proposals.
“The wheels of the DFL’s progressive bus just came to a screeching halt. The DFL will not be able to move big budgets and big programmatic ideas like they did in 2023,” said political expert Larry Jacobs.
Republican and DFL House leaders held dueling press conferences – both indicating something new will come out of this – saying they will work together in a power-sharing deal.
“This is our opportunity to work with Democrats across the aisle and find ways to best serve Minnesotans,” said Rep. Lisa Demuth.
“There will be an opportunity for us to show Minnesotans working together and getting things done,” said Rep. Melissa Hortman.
The third part of the DFL trifecta Governor Tim Walz returns to St. Paul and his day job after trying to become vice president of the United States.
“He returns to a deeply divided state, and his political skills will be tested to see if he can even find bipartisan agreement on a budget. It is very possible that we are dealing with a pure impasse,” said Jacobs. .
The Minnesota House ended up in a tie in 1979. According to a written account, a power-sharing deal got off to a good start with a Republican as speaker of the House of Representatives and a DFLer to head the rules committee. However, the bipartisanship eventually disappeared, resulting in chaos, shouting matches and a deadlocked session.
Esme Murphy
