A Minnesota judge’s ruling on a residency challenge has unexpectedly shifted the balance of power in the State’s House of Representatives, giving Republicans a slim majority.
At a Glance
- Minnesota judge ruled Democratic legislator Curtis Johnson ineligible due to residency issues
- Ruling gives Republicans a 67-66 majority in the previously tied Minnesota House
- GOP can now elect a speaker but lacks the 68 votes needed to pass bills
- DFL plans to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court
- Case highlights the importance of election integrity and residency requirements
Court Ruling Disqualifies Democratic Legislator
In a surprising turn of events, a Minnesota judge has ruled that Curtis Johnson, a newly elected Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) legislator, failed to meet residency requirements and is ineligible to take office. This decision has temporarily given Republicans a 67-66 majority in the Minnesota House, upsetting the previous 67-67 tie in the chamber.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by GOP nominee Paul Wikstrom, who challenged Johnson’s residency in the district. Judge Leonardo Castro sided with Wikstrom, stating that Johnson’s attempts to establish residency, such as leasing an apartment in the district, were insufficient.
A court ruling could tip the majority to Republicans in the Minnesota House https://t.co/BydW6luuD9 pic.twitter.com/MoWQTpW6CT
— Steve Karnowski (@skarnowski) December 21, 2024
Republicans Gain Narrow Majority
With this development, Republicans now hold a slim 67-66 majority in the Minnesota House. While this allows them to elect a speaker, they still fall short of the 68-vote threshold required to pass bills. The situation has upended ongoing negotiations between House DFL and GOP leaders for a power-sharing agreement, which had been necessitated by the initial 67-67 split in the chamber.
“The credibility of Mr. Johnson’s testimony about his physical presence in the apartment was significantly undermined by his demeanor, the photos and videos presented by the contestant and his own reluctance to commit to any more than minimal, vague amounts of time spent at the apartment,” Judge Castro stated.
Republican Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its significance for election integrity. “I applaud the court’s decision to grant the election contest and look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B during the upcoming legislative session. This is a clear reminder that laws matter, and integrity in the election process is non-negotiable,” Demuth said.
Democrats Plan to Appeal
The DFL, however, is not accepting the decision without a fight. Current House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court, arguing that the case should have been dismissed. “The court erred as a matter of law in not dismissing this case. A residency issue must be resolved before an election and is not an appropriate basis for an election contest,” Hortman stated.
“The two options are a special election or seating the qualified second-place finisher,” said Erick Kaardal, an attorney involved in the case, highlighting the potential outcomes if the ruling stands.
This case underscores the importance of adhering to election laws and residency requirements. The Minnesota Constitution mandates that candidates must live in the state for one year and in the district for six months before the election. Johnson’s situation was complicated by redistricting, which placed his home outside the new district boundary.
Implications for Minnesota Politics
The ruling has far-reaching implications for Minnesota politics. It not only affects the balance of power in the House but also raises questions about the effectiveness of post-election contest procedures. While Republicans celebrate this victory, the final outcome remains uncertain as the case makes its way through the appeals process.
