Last reviewed October 2025

Minnesota Issue Guide
The 2025-2026 Legislative Session

This guide is compiled by staff at the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library on a topic of interest to state legislators. It introduces the topic and points to sources for further research. It is not intended to be exhaustive.

November 2024 • December 2024 • January 2025 • February 2025 • March 2025
April 2025 • May 2025 • June 2025 • July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025

After the 2024 election, the Minnesota Legislature faced the prospect of being more closely divided than it had ever been. The election resulted in a 67-67 tie between DFL and Republican members in the House of Representatives for just the second time in state history. A special election for one open seat in the Senate returned the chamber to its full complement of members, and the DFL held a one-seat majority. 

A series of significant events followed the 2024 election, each with a unique impact on the composition and work of the Legislature. This timeline chronicles these events. Each item on the timeline is accompanied by contemporaneous news coverage to provide further context.

Party control shifts during this period are discussed below, and are also summarized on Party Control of the Minnesota Senate, 1951-Present and Party Control of the Minnesota House of Representatives, 1951-Present.

November 2024

• November 5, 2024
  • The general election results in evenly divided membership between the DFL and Republican caucuses, 67 to 67, in the Minnesota House of Representatives for the first time since 1979 (see Split Legislative Control of the Minnesota House in 1979). 
    • "Minnesota DFL hold state Senate but House appears tied." MinnPost, November 6, 2024.
    • "Legislative leaders puzzling out split House rules before likely recounts." Minnesota Star Tribune, November 7, 2024. 
    • "Minnesota House leaders agree to even split on committee control." Minnesota Public Radio, November 19, 2024. 
  
  
  • A special election is held for the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Kelly Morrison (45), who resigned on June 6, 2024 to run for U.S. Congress. Ann Johnson Stewart wins the election, returning the Senate to a DFL majority with 34 DFL members and 33 Republican members. 
    • "Ann Johnson Stewart wins special election, giving DFL control of Minnesota Senate." Minnesota Star Tribune, November 6, 2024.


• November 20, 2024
  • Paul Wikstrom, republican candidate in House District 40B, files a lawsuit alleging Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson (40B) does not live in the district (see 62-CV-24-7378).
    • "Candidate who won Roseville-area House seat didn't live in district, opponent claims in lawsuit." Pioneer Press, November 22, 2024.
    • "Republican who lost Minnesota House race sues claiming DFL winner lives outside district." Minnesota Public Radio, November 22, 2024.


• November 21, 2024
  • A recount is held for House District 54A. Rep. Brad Tabke’s margin of victory over republican candidate Aaron Paul was 14 votes in the election. After the recount, Rep. Tabke was declared the winner by 15 votes. 
    • "Tabke wins Shakopee-area legislative race after recount, House control still unknown." Minnesota Public Radio, November 21, 2024.
    • "DFL Rep. Brad Tabke picks up one vote over Republican Aaron Paul after 54A recount." Minnesota Star Tribune, November 22, 2024.


• November 25, 2024
  • A recount is held for House District 14B. Rep. Dan Wolgamott's margin of victory over republican candidate Sue Ek was 191 votes in the election. After the recount, Rep. Wolgamott was declared the winner by 190 votes.
    • "Wolgamott's 14B win confirmed in Sherburne recount." West Central Tribune, November 25, 2024.
    • "Sherburne County recount confirms Wolgamott win in Minnesota House race." St. Cloud Times, November 25, 2024.

December 2024

• December 3, 2024
  • Aaron Paul, republican candidate in House District 54A, files a lawsuit alleging Scott County violated state election law by declaring Rep. Brad Tabke (54A) the winner of the election (see 70-CV-24-17210). The county had lost 21 ballots and Rep. Tabke's victory was 15 votes.
    • "Republican Aaron Paul contests Shakopee House election result, requests special election." Minnesota Reformer, December 2, 2024.
    • "Republican candidate contests House District 54A race results in Scott County." Minnesota Star Tribune, December 3, 2024.


• December 20, 2024
  • A Ramsey County judge determines that Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson (40B) does not reside his district and cannot take office (see Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order from 62-CV-24-7378).
    • "Minnesota House tie in peril after judge rules DFL lawmaker can't be sworn in." Minnesota Public Radio, December 20, 2024.
    • "Judge disqualifies DFL House candidate over Roseville residency; ruling could grant majority to GOP." Pioneer Press, December 21, 2024.
    • "Judge rules DFL House candidate ineligible, throwing majority to GOP for now." Minnesota Star Tribune, December 21, 2024.


• December 27, 2024
  • Sen. Kari Dziedzic (60) dies of cancer, resulting in a 33 to 33 tie in the Senate.
    • "Kari Dziedzic, former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, dies at 62." Minnesota Public Radio, December 28, 2024.
    • "DFL Sen. Kari Dziedzic, former majority leader, dies of cancer at 62." Minnesota Reformer, December 28, 2024.
    • "Former DFL Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic dies of cancer at age 62." Minnesota Star Tribune, December 29, 2024.
  
  
  • Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson (40B) resigns, resulting in 67 Republican members-elect and 66 DFL members-elect in the House.
    • Letter from Curtis Johnson to Governor Walz regarding House district 40B, December 27, 2024.
    • "Republicans gain edge in Minnesota House after DFLer drops out over residency case." Minnesota Public Radio, December 27, 2024.
    • "Disqualified DFL House candidate steps down, granting Republicans majority." Pioneer Press, December 28, 2024.
  
  
  • Gov. Tim Walz issues a writ of special election to fill House District 40B and schedules the election for January 28, 2025. (This writ is later invalidated by the Minnesota Supreme Court. See January 17, 2025 entry below.)
    • "District 40B special election scheduled for Jan. 28, 2025." Session Daily, December 27, 2024.


• December 30, 2024
  • Gov. Tim Walz issues a writ of special election to fill Senate District 60, following Sen. Kari Dziedzic's death, and schedules the election for January 28, 2025.
    • "January special election called for tiebreaker Minn. Senate seat after Dziedzic's death." Minnesota Public Radio, December 30, 2024.

January 2025

• January 4, 2025
  • The Minnesota Voters Alliance and others file a lawsuit with the Minnesota Supreme Court contesting the writ of special election for the House 40B election (see A25-0017).
    • "Republicans ask Supreme Court to halt January special election for Roseville-area House seat." Minnesota Star Tribune, January 6, 2025.
    • "Minnesota Supreme Court weighs postponing election crucial to Capitol control." Minnesota Public Radio, January 15, 2025.


• January 6, 2025
  • House members' terms of office for the 94th Legislature begin.


• January 12, 2025
  • House DFL members take the oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony at the Minnesota History Center.
    • "Legislative Eve: A secret swearing in, a Caesar reference and a quorum plot." Minnesota Reformer, January 13, 2025.
    • "Minnesota House Democrats hold secret swearing-in ceremony as Senate finds power-sharing agreement." Rochester Post-Bulletin, January 13, 2025.


• January 14, 2025
  • The 94th Legislature convenes.
    • "Your questions answered on the messy start to the Minnesota legislative session." Minnesota Reformer, January 14, 2025.
    • "Minnesota Legislature to open with two presidents and calm in the Senate, storm in the House." MinnPost, January 14, 2025.
  
  
  • Because the Senate is tied, 33 DFL members to 33 Republican members, the caucuses reach a power-sharing agreement, to be in effect until one party gains a majority (see A Senate Resolution Relating to the Temporary Organization of the 94th Minnesota Senate).
    • "'The chamber that chose cooperation': Minnesota Senate sees smoother sailing under temporary tie." Minnesota Public Radio, January 23, 2025.
  
  
  • The House is comprised of 67 Republican members and 66 DFL members. All House DFL members boycott the first day of session. House Republican members take the oath of office. Secretary of State Steve Simon, charged with convening the House on the first day of session, declares that, with only 67 members present, the House lacks a quorum. He adjourns the session. Republican members dispute his ruling and hold floor sessions and committee hearings for approximately two weeks (see Unofficial House Proceedings, January 2025).
    • "Simon says no quorum, Republicans elect Demuth speaker." Session Daily, January 14, 2025.
    • "Minnesota House DFLers boycott opening session; Republicans elect their own speaker." Minnesota Public Radio, January 14, 2025.
    • "MN House power sharing dispute could mean rough start for 2025 legislative session." Pioneer Press, January 14, 2025.
  
  
  • Rep. Melissa Hortman (34B) and Secretary of State Steve Simon file a petition for writ of quo warranto, asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to weigh in on the question of how many members constitutes a quorum in the House (see A25-0068 and A25-0066).
    • "House Democrats, secretary of state ask Supreme Court to weigh in on quorum question." Minnesota Reformer, January 15, 2025.
    • "Minnesota Democrats sue House Republicans over 'unlawful' session." Minnesota Star Tribune, January 16, 2025.
    • "Minnesota House DFL, Steve Simon sue over Republican speaker election." Pioneer Press, January 16, 2025.
  
  
  • The Scott County Court denies Aaron Paul's election contest in House District 54A, rules the election is not invalid, and that a special election is not warranted (see Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order from 70-CV-24-17210).
    • "Judge rules DFL Rep. Brad Tabke won reelection, denies Republican request for special election." Minnesota Reformer, January 14, 2025.
    • "Judge: DFL candidate''s election stands for Shakopee-area Minnesota House seat." Minnesota Public Radio, January 14, 2025.


• January 17, 2025
  • The Minnesota Supreme Court rules that the writ of special election issued for House District 40B was premature and therefore invalid (see Order from A25-0017).
    • "Minnesota Supreme Court voids Walz's decision to hold Jan. 28 special election for House seat." Minnesota Star Tribune, January 18, 2025.


• January 24, 2025
  • The Minnesota Supreme Court orders that 68 members are necessary to constitute a quorum of the House (see Order from A25-006 and A25-0068). They later publish their full opinion on March 5, 2025 (see Opinion from A25-006 and A25-0068).
    • "State Supreme Court rules 68 members constitutes a House quorum." Session Daily, January 24, 2025.
    • "Minnesota Supreme Court sides with House Democrats, says 68 is a quorum; Despite expressing hesitancy, Minnesota judicial branch weighs in on legislative dispute." Rochester Post-Bulletin, January 24, 2025.
    • "Supreme Court sides with DFL and Simon, says 68 House members needed for floor action." Minnesota Star Tribune, January 25, 2025.


• January 27, 2025
  • Secretary of State Steve Simon begins to convene the House again. The House DFL boycott continues as the DFL and Republican caucuses seek a power-sharing agreement. As only 67 members are present, Secretary Simon adjourns each day after determining there is no quorum.
    • "Minnesota House stalemate continues after Supreme Court quorum ruling." Minnesota Star Tribune, January 28, 2025.
    • "As Minnesota House impasse continues, both sides open to future tiebreaker in chamber." Minnesota Star Tribune, February 1, 2025.


• January 28, 2025
  • Doron Clarks wins the special election for Senate District 60.
    • "Meet Doron Clark, your new state senator." Northeaster, January 29, 2025.
    • "DFL-candidate Doron Clark wins special election." Minnesota Daily, January 29, 2025.


• January 30, 2025
  • Rep. Lisa Demuth (13A) and Rep. Harry Niska (31A) file a petition of writ quo warranto, asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to compel Secretary of State Steve Simon to recognize motions on the floor while the House remains without a quorum (see A25-0157).
    • "House Republicans sue Minnesota secretary of state, say Simon is overstepping." Rochester Post-Bulletin, January 30, 2025.
    • "MN House Republicans seek Supreme Court's help to end DFL session boycott." Pioneer Press, January 31, 2025.

February 2025

• February 3, 2025
  • Sen. Doron Clark (60) is sworn in, bringing the Senate DFL caucus into the majority with 34 DFL members and 33 Republican members.
    • "DFL secures majority in Minnesota Senate as Sen. Clark sworn in: Sen. Doron Clark''s swearing-in breaks the Senate tie and triggers a heated discussion over dissolving the power-sharing agreement." Rochester Post-Bulletin, February 3, 2025.


• February 5, 2025
  • The House DFL and House Republican caucuses reach a power-sharing agreement, to be in effect until one party reaches an organizational majority of 68 members (see Agreement for House Organization, 94th Regular Legislative Session). The agreement, primarily brokered by Rep. Melissa Hortman and Rep. Lisa Demuth, resulted in the Republican caucus holding the speakership while sharing other legislative leadership roles with the DFL Caucus Leader. 
    • "Minnesota House Democrats end boycott; legislating to finally begin, three weeks late." Minnesota Reformer, February 5, 2025.
    • "House DFL, Republicans reach power-sharing deal, ending struggle that stalled session." Pioneer Press, February 6, 2025.
    • "Three weeks and many court hearings later, a tied Minnesota House figures out how to share power ... again." MinnPost, February 6, 2025.
  
  
  • Gov. Tim Walz issues a writ of special election to fill House District 40B, following the invalidation of his previous writ, and schedules the election for March 11, 2025.
    • "Special election for Roseville House seat set for early March: Gov. Tim Walz issued a new writ for a vacant Minnesota House seat that could mark the end of the House Democrats' boycott." Rochester Post-Bulletin, February 5, 2025.


• February 6, 2025
  • The House achieves a quorum and is formally organized (see Journal of the House, Third Legislative Day, February 6, 2025). Rep. Lisa Demuth (13A) is elected Speaker of the House.
    • "Full House convenes for first time in 2025, elects Demuth speaker." Session Daily, February 6, 2025.
    • "Normalcy and history: Minnesota House finally gets to work, and with a first-ever Black speaker." Minnesota Reformer, February 6, 2025.
    • "Minnesota House returns to work for first time in 2025." Minnesota Star Tribune, February 7, 2025.

March 2025

• March 11, 2025
  • David Gottfried wins the special election for House District 40B.
    • "DFL candidate wins special election, returning Minnesota House to tie." Pioneer Press, March 12, 2025.
    • "Minnesota House is tied after DFL wins special election. Here's what changes." Minnesota Public Radio, March 12, 2025.
    • "House back to 67-all after DFL candidate wins District 40B special election." Session Daily, March 12, 2025.


• March 17, 2025
  • Rep. David Gottfried (40B) is sworn in, bringing the House to a 67 to 67 tie.
    • "Rep. David Gottfried takes seat, returns Minnesota House to tie." Pioneer Press, March 18, 2025.
    • "Minnesota lawmakers take first votes with GOP-DFL tie in the House." Minnesota Star Tribune, March 18, 2025.
  
  
  • Sen. Justin Eichorn (6) is arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor for sex.
    • "GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn arrested on suspicion of soliciting sex with a 17-year-old girl." Minnesota Reformer, March 18, 2025.
    • "Charges: State Sen. Eichorn responded to prostitution ad before arrest in Bloomington." Minnesota Public Radio, March 19, 2025.
    • "Calls for Sen. Justin Eichorn to resign after arrest on suspicion of soliciting teen for prostitution." Minnesota Star Tribune, March 19, 2025.


• March 20, 2025
  • Sen. Justin Eichorn (6) resigns from the Senate.
    • "Range lawmaker arrested for seeking sex with a minor resigns." Timberjay, March 20, 2025.
    • "Iron Range Sen. Justin Eichorn resigns after being charged in teen prostitution sting." Iron Range Today, March 20, 2025.
    • "Sen. Justin Eichorn resigns after soliciting a minor for prostitution charge." Pioneer Press, March 21, 2025.


• March 25, 2025
  • Gov. Tim Walz issues a writ of special election to fill Senate District 6, following Sen. Justin Eichorn's resignation, and schedules the election for April 29, 2025.
    • "Gov. Tim Walz calls special election for MN Senate District 6 to fill vacancy left by Justin Eichorn." Pioneer Press, March 26, 2025.

April 2025

• April 29, 2025
  • Keri Heintzeman wins the special election for Senate District 6.
    • "Keri Heintzeman wins special election for Senate District 6 seat." Brainerd Dispatch, April 29, 2025.
    • "Republican Keri Heintzeman wins special election for Minnesota Senate seat left open by Eichorn." Minnesota Star Tribune, April 29, 2025.
    • "Heintzeman wins Senate District 6 special election." Mesabi Tribune, May 1, 2025.

May 2025

• May 6, 2025
  • Sen. Keri Heintzeman (6) is sworn in.
    • "Sen. Keri Heintzeman sworn in to Minnesota Senate, filling former Sen. Justin Eichorn's seat." Brainerd Dispatch, May 6, 2025.
    • "Sen. Keri Heintzeman takes oath of office." Mesabi Tribune, May 7, 2025.


• May 19, 2025
  • The regular session adjourns, with some pieces of the state budget unfinished.
    • "Lawmakers play blame game as session comes to end without major budget bills." Minnesota Reformer, May 19, 2025.
    • "Minnesota lawmakers lightly jog to legislative finish line with no budget in place." MinnPost, May 19, 2025.
    • "Legislature -- with budget incomplete -- gavels out, prepares for special session." Session Daily, May 20, 2025.

June 2025

• June 9, 2025
  • The Legislature returns for a one-day special session to complete passage of the state budget.
    • "Lawmakers deliver budget bills to governor's desk in one-day special session." Session Daily, June 10, 2025.
    • "New Minnesota budget sealed up in legislative spree as immigrant health coverage rescinded." Minnesota Public Radio, June 10, 2025.
    • "MN Legislature passes $66B budget, cuts undocumented immigrant insurance." Pioneer Press, June 10, 2025.
    • "How the most closely divided Legislature in Minnesota history came to pass a state budget." Minnesota Star Tribune, June 11, 2025.


• June 14, 2025
  • Rep. Melissa Hortman (34B) and her husband Mark are killed in their home in what is described as a politically motivated shooting.
    • "Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband killed in attack." Session Daily, June 14, 2025.
    • "'Her mirthful eyes, her sharp humor': Colleagues remember Melissa Hortman, assassinated at age 55." MinnPost, June 14, 2025.
    • "Minnesota House Democratic leader dead after 'politically motivated assassination.'" Minnesota Reformer, June 14, 2025.
    • "Memorial for Rep. Melissa Hortman at Minnesota Capitol as family issues first statement." Minnesota Public Radio, June 15, 2025.
    • "Minnesota House leader assassinated, state senator shot in political violence that stuns nation." Minnesota Star Tribune, June 15, 2025.
    • "Remembering Melissa Hortman: Republicans and Democrats say her power came from her selflessness." Minnesota Reformer, June 26, 2025.
  
  
  • Sen. John Hoffman (34) and his wife Yvette are shot and injured in their home in what is described as a politically motivated shooting.
    • "Sen. Hoffman, wife shot in Champlin home." ECM Publications, June 14, 2025.
    • "State Senator Hoffman awake after surgery for multiple gunshot wounds." Minnesota Public Radio, June 15, 2025.
    • "Sen. John Hoffman and wife recovering from multiple gunshot wounds." Pioneer Press, June 16, 2025.
    • "Hoffman family issues statement recounting shooting, giving thanks for first responders and community support." Minnesota Public Radio, June 19, 2025.
    • "Pizza terrorism, online vitriol, and now murder: Lawmakers fear for their safety and don't know how to change that." MinnPost, June 23, 2025.


• June 27, 2025
  • Rep. Melissa Hortman (34B) and her husband Mark lie in state in the Minnesota Capitol. She is the first woman to lie in state in the Minnesota Capitol. Their funeral takes place on June 28, 2025 at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.
    • "Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, husband Mark, to lie in state with their dog, Gilbert, on Friday." Pioneer Press, June 25, 2025.
    • "Minnesotans mourn Melissa and Mark Hortman at the Capitol; Biden pays respects." Minnesota Public Radio, June 27, 2025.
    • "At their funeral, Hortmans remembered for humility, humanity in a harsh political world." Minnesota Public Radio, June 28, 2025.

July 2025

• July 11, 2025
  • Gov. Tim Walz issues a writ of special election to fill House District 34B, following Rep. Melissa Hortman's death, and schedules the election for September 16, 2025.
    • "Special election set for late-Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman's House seat." Session Daily, July 11, 2025.
    • "Walz calls Sept. 16 special election to fill Rep. Melissa Hortman's seat." Minnesota Reformer, July 11, 2025.
    • "Gov. Tim Walz calls September special election to fill seat held by slain Rep. Melissa Hortman." Minnesota Star Tribune, July 14, 2025.


• July 18, 2025
  • Sen. Nicole Mitchell (47) is found guilty of first-degree burglary and felony possession of burglary tools for breaking into her stepmother's home on April 22, 2024.
    • "Jury finds Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell guilty in burglary trial: The jury heard the final witnesses and closing arguments before going into the deliberation room Friday afternoon." Fargo-Moorhead Forum, July 18, 2025.
    • "Sen. Nicole Mitchell guilty of two counts of burglary after multi-day trial." Minnesota Public Radio, July 18, 2025.
    • "Sen. Nicole Mitchell convicted on both counts in burglary trial." Minnesota Star Tribune, July 19, 2025.


• July 20, 2025
  • Sen. Nicole Mitchell (47) announces her intention to resign her seat by August 4, 2025.
    • "Nicole Mitchell to resign from Minnesota Senate after burglary conviction." Minnesota Public Radio, July 21, 2025.


• July 21, 2025
  • Sen. Bruce Anderson (29) dies unexpectedly.
    • "Veteran state lawmaker Anderson dies at age 75." Minnesota Star Tribune, July 22, 2025.


• July 25, 2025
  • Sen. Nicole Mitchell (47) resigns from the Senate.
    • "Nicole Mitchell officially resigns from the Minnesota Senate." Rochester Post Bulletin, July 25, 2025.
    • "State Sen. Nicole Mitchell resigns from office after felony convictions." Pioneer Press, July 26, 2025.


• July 29, 2025
  • Gov. Tim Walz issues a writ of special election to fill Senate District 29, following Sen. Bruce Anderson's death, and a writ of special election to fill Senate District 47, following Sen. Nicole Mitchell's resignation. Both elections are scheduled for November 4, 2025.
    • "Special election date set for two open State Senate seats." Minnesota Public Radio, July 30, 2025.
    • "Gov. Tim Walz calls special elections for 2 vacant Senate seats." Pioneer Press, July 30, 2025.

August 2025

• August 26, 2025
  • Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (47A) wins the DFL primary for Senate District 47, defeating Rep. Ethan Cha (47B).
    • "Candidates line up for Minnesota Senate special elections that will determine control of the chamber." Minnesota Star Tribune, August 8, 2025.
    • "Party-endorsed candidates prevail in special primaries for two Minnesota Senate seats." Minnesota Reformer, August 27, 2025.

September 2025

• September 16, 2025
  • Democrat Xp Lee wins the special election for House District 34B.
    • "Democrat Xp Lee wins race to succeed Melissa Hortman, restoring Minnesota House tie." Minnesota Public Radio, September 16, 2025.
    • "In special election, DFL holds Melissa Hortman's House seat; chamber returns to a tie." Pioneer Press, September 17, 2025.
    • "Hortman successor, Lee, wants to prioritize public safety, LGA formula." Anoka County Union Herald, September 22, 2025.


• September 26, 2025
  • Rep. Xp Lee is sworn in, maintaining a 67-67 tie in the House.
    • "The balance of power restored: Xp Lee sworn in to Minnesota House after tragic vacancy." MinneapoliMedia, September 28, 2025.