MINNEAPOLIS— Control of the Minnesota House is still up in the air as Republicans could flip three seats and several other races could head to a recount. Preliminary results from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office show the House of Representatives in a rare tie.
All 134 seats in the House were on the ballot this year, and Republicans needed to take control of four seats to gain a majority and end the DFL ‘trifecta’ – control of the House, Senate and the governor’s office – of the past two years.
They were able to pick up seats in northern Mankato, Eveleth and Winona, increasing precincts by hundreds of votes.
According to the secretary of state, Democrats narrowly hold two seats — 14B in northeast St. Cloud and 54A in Shakopee — by 28 and 13 votes, respectively. Both races are so close that a government-funded recount will likely take place.
In the Senate, the DFL was able to maintain control 34-33 after securing a victory special election in the west metro that was activated after DFL Sen. Kelly Morrison entered the race for the 3rd Congressional District. Democratic juggernaut Ann Johnson Stewart has fended off Republican challenger Kathleen Fowke, according to Minnesota Secretary of State.
The House and Senate races were seen by some as a referendum on the sweeping legislative agenda Democrats passed during the 2023 legislative session. Progressive policy achievements include codifying abortion rights, paid family leave, legalizing recreational marijuana, free school meals and more.
“While the state House outcome is still unclear, retaining the Senate majority will allow us to defend the historic victories DFL leaders have delivered for working families,” said Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin Tuesday morning.
The Minnesota House has been tied only once before: in 1979. That year, then-independent Republicans retained the chairmanship in exchange for the DFL party chairing the House’s three most powerful committees. The DFL broke the tie the following year after an independent Republican from St. Paul was accused of unfair campaign practices, leading to a special election.
The Minnesota Senate is up for re-election in 2026, and Governor Tim Walz will return to serve out the remainder of his term. failed vice presidential bid.
For more results from the 2024 elections in Minnesota, click here.
contributed to this report.
