St. PAUL — As the Minnesota Legislature gears up for a contentious opening on Tuesday, House Democrats are threatening to boycott, while the Senate faces a temporary tie with no tiebreaker in place.
A potential boycott could prevent the GOP from securing the necessary votes to assume control of the House before a crucial special election. After two years of Democratic dominance, Republicans assert that the recent election results indicate a shift in voter sentiment.
With preparations to assume the speaker’s gavel, Republicans claim they hold a majority, albeit temporary.
“There is no longer a tie in the state of Minnesota,” emphasized House Republican Leader Lisa Demuth on Monday.
“Democrats will enter with 66 members,” Demuth stated, “while we have 67. This sets the stage for us to exercise an organizational majority on January 14, ready to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us by Minnesota voters.”
Control of the chamber is crucial, especially during a budget-writing year, as it influences which policies advance.
Although the recent election resulted in a tie of 67-67 in the House, Democrats have since lost a seat due to a residency challenge, with another Democrat potentially barred from taking their seat following a contested election that was won by a mere 14 votes, amidst allegations of discarded ballots.
Democrats Consider Walkout
Democratic leadership insists on negotiating a power-sharing agreement, warning that a failure to do so could result in a walkout on Tuesday, obstructing Republican plans to seize control.
“If we need to deny quorum to uphold the will of voters who favored a tie, then that’s our course of action,” asserted House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman. “The Republican strategy is an outrageous and illegitimate power grab.”
Republican leaders have not confirmed if they would engage law enforcement to retrieve absent Democratic members, but are considering recall efforts against lawmakers who miss the session.
While walkouts can lead to voter backlash, Democratic leaders are prepared to take action to ensure equitable representation in chamber leadership.
“We face a clear choice: to fight or to collaborate,” Hortman remarked. “We are here to express our willingness to work together.”
Ultimately, Secretary of State Steve Simon will determine the procedural course when the House reconvenes on Tuesday. According to state rules, he shall preside until the chamber elects its leaders. In the event of insufficient attendance, he will assess whether a quorum exists to enable proceedings.
Simon communicated to legislative leaders that without at least 68 members present, he would lack the authority to convene the chamber.
A Republican-led House would require collaboration with Democratic Governor Tim Walz and a Senate anticipated to maintain Democratic control following an imminent special election.
Senate Operating Under Unusual Conditions
The Senate is also navigating unexpected challenges, currently facing a tie due to the recent passing of a prominent Democrat. Additionally, Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell is scheduled to attend a criminal trial in late January.
Mitchell is expected to miss sessions during this time, and Democratic Leader Erin Murphy indicated that Mitchell’s voting rights would be suspended while she is in court.
This issue stirred controversy last year when Mitchell participated in decisive voting after her arrest related to allegations of misappropriating her late father’s belongings.
Republican leadership has reiterated calls to disallow Mitchell’s voting rights during and possibly after her trial if found guilty. Mitchell has pleaded not guilty and denied calls for her resignation.
Legislative leaders from both parties acknowledge the unprecedented dynamics at play.
“Unpredictability has characterized this session; it’s beyond anything we anticipated,” Demuth remarked.
Murphy expressed hopes that the legislature is prepared to confront this unpredictable scenario, stating, “This is a real test for us, and I hope we can rise to the occasion.”
The first day of the legislative session is set for Tuesday.
