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The Minnesota Supreme Court rules in favor of DFL’s argument that House lacks a quorum

ST. PAUL, Min. — The Supreme Court of Minnesota has sided with the Democrats in an ongoing power struggle with the Republicans.

The justices, in a written ruling released Friday afternoon, agreed with House Democratic leaders and Secretary of State Steve Simon, who argued that a quorum in the House under the state constitution consisted of 68 members, not the 67 that Republicans claimed. The Supreme Court cited an article from the Minnesota Constitution as part of their reasoning.

The Republican Party of the House of Representatives has a 67-66 majority pending a special election to fill an empty seat expected to take place around March 11. The Democrats in the House of Representatives have done so too stayed away from the Capitol for the entire session to deny Republican lawmakers a quorum and prevent them from acting on that advantage, but the Republican Party has nevertheless continued to organize the House as a majority.

Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, responded to Friday’s ruling by calling on Democrats to stop delaying the legislative session.

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“This decision underscores the fact that Democrats in the House of Representatives are disrespecting not only their own constituents, but the entire state of Minnesota by refusing to do their job. The Republicans in the House of Representatives will show up for work on Monday – it’s time for the Democrats to strike. and that the Legislature can continue its work,” Demuth said.

House Democratic leaders had expressed hope before the ruling that a victory for them would prompt their Republican Party counterparts to negotiate a power-sharing deal similar to the one they negotiated after the November election agreed when it appeared the House would be tied 67-67. the legislature convened its 2025 session on January 14.

That deal collapsed after a Ramsey County judge ruled ruled that the Democratic winner of a Roseville-area seat did not live in his district and was not eligible. This gave the Republicans a temporary majority of one seat. The eventual special election to fill the seat is expected to restore parity because it is a heavily Democratic district. In the meantime, Republicans have made progress in electing their top leader as chairman, introducing legislation and holding hearings.

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House Democrats have also said they will not return to the Capitol until Republicans promise not to seat Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee. winning a special election with low turnout. Republicans have refused to make that guarantee, even though The Scott County judge declared Tabke the legal winner. Denying Tabke his seat would at least preserve the Republican majority until that seat could be filled.


Note: The above video first aired on January 23, 2025

contributed to this report.

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