In a significant ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court has backed the Democrats in the ongoing political battle with Republicans over the control of the state House of Representatives. The court ruled that, according to the state’s constitution, a quorum consists of 68 members, not the 67 claimed by the Republicans.
This decision comes as the House GOP is currently holding a 67-66 majority, pending the outcome of a special election to fill a vacant seat, set for March 11. Until now, House Democrats have abstained from the Capitol to prevent Republicans from leveraging their majority. As the court's decision aims to break the legislative deadlock, the hope is that collaboration between both parties might soon be fostered.
The chief justice acknowledged the heightened dysfunction within the House and expressed optimism that lawmakers will now operate in accordance with the court's directive. Though the Supreme Court did not annul previous legislative actions by the House Republicans, as the Democrats had wanted, the ruling effectively calls for all parties to adapt to this new directive moving forward.
House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating that Democrats are eager to return to negotiations and work alongside Republicans. The court’s ruling, Hortman suggests, nullifies the proceedings led by Republicans since the legislative session commenced.
However, the reaction from the Republican side was less optimistic. GOP leader Lisa Demuth criticized the Democrats for their absence, arguing that they had neglected both constituents and the broader Minnesota community by not participating in their legislative duties. Demuth asserted that Republicans would resume work shortly, urging Democrats to end their walkout.
Before the ruling, Democrats were hopeful that a decision in their favor would incentivize Republicans to agree to a power-sharing arrangement, particularly after a post-election deal appeared possible, with the House initially looking at a tie. The potential for a shared power approach seems uncertain now, given the Republicans' reluctance to fully commit to reopening negotiations.
The recent political spat was further complicated when a Ramsey County judge declared a Democratic winner ineligible for a Roseville-area seat, temporarily providing Republicans with a slim majority. The expected special election should restore the balance, as the district historically leans toward the Democrats.
House Republicans have continued their efforts to utilize their temporary advantage by appointing leadership and introducing legislation. In contrast, Democrats maintain that they will only return to legislative activities once they secure an agreement with Republicans, ensuring no obstructions in seating Democrat Brad Tabke, whose narrow victory in a swing district remains contentious.
As the situation evolves, Secretary of State Steve Simon has pledged to reconvene the House, preserving hope for a resolution that aligns with the state’s legal and procedural standards. Hortman's latest proposal even offers Republicans control until the anticipated special election, yet whether Democrats will attend the upcoming session remains uncertain without assurance from their Republican counterparts.
This strategic avoidance by the Democrats, in an attempt to prevent Republicans from cementing their majority, is not unique to Minnesota. Such tactics have been historically used by lawmakers across the nation to stall their opponents, harkening back even to Minnesota's territorial days when a determined Democratic lawmaker went to great lengths to alter legislative decisions.