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Party Control of the Minnesota Senate, 1951-present

Compiled by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library

Party codes (see also notes at end of historical data):

C=Conservative L=Liberal
R=Republican DFL=Democratic-Farmer-Labor
IR=Independent Republican Ind.=Independent
iR=independent Republican

Compiled from Minnesota legislative manuals and other sources, including previous library compilations and several histories of Minnesota.

In 1913, Minnesota legislators began to be elected on nonpartisan ballots (1913 Minn. Laws Chap. 389). Legislators ran and caucused as "Liberals" or "Conservatives" (roughly equivalent in most years to Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republican, respectively). A 1973 Law change brought back party designation elections beginning with the House in 1974 and the Senate in 1976 (1973 Minn. Laws Chapter 3 section 1; first numbered Minnesota Statute 202.03; renumbered Minnesota Statute 204B.36, subdivision 2). Prior to 1973, party alignment was often difficult to ascertain.

Between November 15, 1975 and September 23, 1995, Minnesota Republicans ran under the party name Independent Republican.

While efforts have been made to verify this information in more than one source, the library cannot guarantee the accuracy of sources; errors are possible. Please report any errors to the library staff.

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Other: 0 (1971) L/DFL: 33 (1971) C/R/IR: 34 (1971) Other: 0 (1973) L/DFL: 37 (1973) C/R/IR: 30 (1973) Other: 0 (1974) L/DFL: 36 (1974) C/R/IR: 31 (1974) Other: 1 (1975) L/DFL: 38 (1975) C/R/IR: 27 (1975) Other: 1 (1976) L/DFL: 38 (1976) C/R/IR: 28 (1976) Other: 0 (1977) L/DFL: 48 (1977) C/R/IR: 18 (1977) Other: 0 (1978) L/DFL: 48 (1978) C/R/IR: 19 (1978) Other: 0 (1979) L/DFL: 47 (1979) C/R/IR: 20 (1979) Other: 0 (1980) L/DFL: 45 (1980) C/R/IR: 21 (1980) Other: 0 (1981) L/DFL: 45 (1981) C/R/IR: 22 (1981) Other: 0 (1982) L/DFL: 44 (1982) C/R/IR: 23 (1982) Other: 0 (1983) L/DFL: 42 (1983) C/R/IR: 25 (1983) Other: 0 (1984) L/DFL: 42 (1984) C/R/IR: 25 (1984) Other: 0 (1985) L/DFL: 42 (1985) C/R/IR: 25 (1985) Other: 1 (1986) L/DFL: 42 (1986) C/R/IR: 24 (1986) Other: 0 (1987) L/DFL: 47 (1987) C/R/IR: 20 (1987) Other: 0 (1988) L/DFL: 46 (1988) C/R/IR: 21 (1988) Other: 0 (1989) L/DFL: 44 (1989) C/R/IR: 23 (1989) Other: 0 (1990) L/DFL: 43 (1990) C/R/IR: 23 (1990) Other: 0 (1991) L/DFL: 46 (1991) C/R/IR: 21 (1991) Other: 0 (1992) L/DFL: 46 (1992) C/R/IR: 20 (1992) Other: 0 (1993) L/DFL: 45 (1993) C/R/IR: 22 (1993) Other: 0 (1994) L/DFL: 45 (1994) C/R/IR: 22 (1994) Other: 0 (1995) L/DFL: 43 (1995) C/R/IR: 21 (1995) Other: 0 (1996) L/DFL: 42 (1996) C/R/IR: 24 (1996) Other: 1 (1997) L/DFL: 42 (1997) C/R/IR: 24 (1997) Other: 1 (1998) L/DFL: 42 (1998) C/R/IR: 24 (1998) Other: 1 (1999) L/DFL: 42 (1999) C/R/IR: 24 (1999) Other: 1 (2000) L/DFL: 41 (2000) C/R/IR: 25 (2000) Other: 1 (2001) L/DFL: 39 (2001) C/R/IR: 27 (2001) Other: 1 (2002) L/DFL: 37 (2002) C/R/IR: 27 (2002) Other: 1 (2003) L/DFL: 35 (2003) C/R/IR: 31 (2003) Other: 1 (2004) L/DFL: 35 (2004) C/R/IR: 31 (2004) Other: 1 (2005) L/DFL: 35 (2005) C/R/IR: 31 (2005) Other: 0 (2006) L/DFL: 38 (2006) C/R/IR: 29 (2006) Other: 0 (2007) L/DFL: 44 (2007) C/R/IR: 23 (2007) Other: 0 (2008) L/DFL: 45 (2008) C/R/IR: 22 (2008) Other: 0 (2009) L/DFL: 46 (2009) C/R/IR: 21 (2009) Other: 0 (2010) L/DFL: 46 (2010) C/R/IR: 21 (2010) Other: 0 (2011) L/DFL: 30 (2011) C/R/IR: 37 (2011) Other: 0 (2012) L/DFL: 30 (2012) C/R/IR: 37 (2012) Other: 0 (2013) L/DFL: 39 (2013) C/R/IR: 28 (2013) Other: 0 (2014) L/DFL: 39 (2014) C/R/IR: 28 (2014) Other: 0 (2015) L/DFL: 39 (2015) C/R/IR: 28 (2015) Other: 0 (2016) L/DFL: 39 (2016) C/R/IR: 28 (2016) Other: 0 (2017) L/DFL: 33 (2017) C/R/IR: 34 (2017) Other: 0 (2018) L/DFL: 33 (2018) C/R/IR: 34 (2018) Other: 0 (2019) L/DFL: 32 (2019) C/R/IR: 34 (2019) Other: 0 (2020) L/DFL: 32 (2020) C/R/IR: 35 (2020) Other: 2 (2021) L/DFL: 31 (2021) C/R/IR: 34 (2021) Other: 2 (2022) L/DFL: 31 (2022) C/R/IR: 34 (2022) Other: 0 (2023) L/DFL: 34 (2023) C/R/IR: 33 (2023) Other: 0 (2024) L/DFL: 34 (2024) C/R/IR: 33 (2024)
Effective Date Event Note Total C/R/IR L/DFL Other Margin
2/12/2024 Convenes   67 33 34 0 1
1/3/2023 Convenes   67 33 34 0 1
8/11/2022 Death Sen. David Tomassoni (I, 6) died of ALS.   66 34 31 1 4f
1/31/2022 Convenes   67 34 31 2 5f
1/5/2021 Convenes   67 34 31 2 5f
12/18/2020 Death Sen. Jerry Relph (R, 14)   66 34 30 2 6f
11/18/2020 Party/Caucus change Two DFL members formed a separate and independent caucus. The two members are Sen. Tom Bakk (3) and Sen. David Tomassoni (6). f  67 35 30 2 7f
2/11/2020 Convenes   67 35 32 0 3
2/13/2019 Special election Rep. Jason Rarick (R, 11B) was elected in a special election in Senate District 11 on February 5, 2019. He was sworn in on February 13, 2019.   67 35 32 0 3
1/8/2019 Convenes District 11 was vacant at the convening of the Legislature due to a resignation.   66 34 32 0 2
1/2/2019 Resignation Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL, 11) resigned to become the Commissioner of Human Services under Governor Tim Walz.   66 34 32 0 2
12/11/2018 Special election Rep. Jeff Howe (R, 13A) was elected in a special election in Senate District 13 on November 6, 2018. He was sworn in on December 11, 2018.   67 34 33 0 1
5/25/2018 Resignation Sen. Michelle Fischbach (R, 13) resigned.   66 33 33 0 0
2/20/2018 Convenes   67 34 33 0 1
2/20/2018 Special election Former House member Karla Bigham (DFL) was elected in Senate District 54 on February 12, 2018. She was sworn in on February 20, 2018.   67 34 33 0 1
12/15/2017 Resignation Sen. Dan Schoen (DFL, 54) resigned effective December 15, 2017.   66 34 32 0 2
1/3/2017 Convenes   67 34 33 0 1
7/11/2016 Death Sen. James Metzen (DFL, 52). No special election was held.   66 28 38 0 10
3/8/2016 Convenes   67 28 39 0 11
2/22/2016 Special election Former House member Jim Abeler (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 35 on February 9, 2016. He was sworn in on February 22, 2016.   67 28 39 0 11
10/31/2015 Resignation Sen. Branden Petersen (R, 35) resigned for family reasons.   66 27 39 0 12
1/6/2015 Convenes   67 28 39 0 11
2/25/2014 Convenes   67 28 39 0 11
1/8/2013 Convenes   67 28 39 0 11
9/3/2012 Resignation Sen. John Harrington (DFL, 67) resigned to become Metro Transit Police Chief. No special election was held.   66 37 29 0 8
4/18/2012 Special election Rep. Lyle Koenen (DFL, 20B) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 20 on April 10, 2012. He was sworn in on April 18, 2012.   67 37 30 0 7
3/2/2012 Death Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL, 20).   66 37 29 0 8
1/24/2012 Convenes   67 37 30 0 7
1/20/2012 Special election Kari Dziedzic (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 59 on January 10, 2012. She was sworn in on January 20, 2012.   67 37 30 0 7
11/7/2011 Resignation Sen. Larry Pogemiller (DFL, 59) resigned to become the Director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.   66 37 29 0 8
10/28/2011 Special election Chris Eaton (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 46 on October 18, 2011. She was sworn in on October 28, 2011.   67 37 30 0 7
10/25/2011 Special election Rep. Jeff Hayden (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 61 on October 18, 2011. He was sworn in on October 25, 2011.   66 37 29 0 8
8/15/2011 Resignation Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL, 61) resigned to take a position with Hennepin County.   65 37 28 0 9
6/15/2011 Death Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL, 46).   66 37 29 0 8
4/18/2011 Special election Former House member Mary Jo McGuire (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 66 on April 12, 2011. She was sworn in on April 18, 2011.   67 37 30 0 7
3/20/2011 Resignation Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL, 66) resigned to chair the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.   66 37 29 0 8
1/4/2011 Convenes   67 37 30 0 7
2/4/2010 Convenes   67 21e 46 0 25
2/4/2010 Special election Mike Parry (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 26 on January 26, 2010. He was sworn in on February 4, 2010.   67 21e 46 0 25
1/8/2010 Resignation Sen. Dick Day (R, 26) resigned to be a lobbyist.   66 20 46 0 26
1/6/2009 Convenes   67 21 46 0 25
12/5/2008 Special election Lisa A. Fobbe (DFL) for District 16 and Ken Kelash (DFL) for District 63 are elected in a special election on November 4, 2008. They were sworn in on December 5, 2008.   67 21 46 0 25
11/5/2008 Resignation Sen. Dan Larson (DFL, 63) resigned to be a lobbyist.   65 21 44 0 23
7/28/2008 Resignation Sen. Betsy Wergin (R, 16) resigned effective July 28, 2008. She was appointed to the Public Utilities Commission.   66 21 45 0 24
2/12/2008 Convenes   67 22 45 0 23
1/22/2008 Special election Kevin Dahle (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 25 on January 3, 2008. He was sworn in on January 22, 2008.   67 22 45 0 23
1/1/2008 Resignation Sen. Tom Neuville (R, 25) resigned because he was appointed as a Third Judicial District trial court judge. The date is uncertain.   66 22 44 0 22
1/3/2007 Convenes   67 23 44 0 21
3/1/2006 Convenes   67 29 38 0 9
1/9/2006 Party/Caucus change Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (Independence, 30) announced she has switched to the DFL party and will run for lieutenant governor with gubernatorial candidate Kelly Doran.   67 29 38 0 9
1/6/2006 Special election Tarryl Clark (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 15 on December 27, 2005. She was sworn in on January 6, 2006.   67 29 37 1 9a
1/5/2006 Special election Amy T. Koch (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 19 on November 22, 2005. She was sworn in on January 5, 2006.   66 29 36 1 8a
12/31/2005 Resignation Sen. Mark Ourada (R, 19) planned to resign by December 31, 2005 to accept a new career opportunity in Virginia. The date is uncertain.   65 28 36 1 9a
12/7/2005 Special election Terri Bonoff (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 43 on November 22, 2005. She was sworn in on December 7, 2005.   66 29 36 1 8a
11/20/2005 Resignation Sen. Dave Kleis (R, 15) resigned to become the mayor of St. Cloud. He was sworn in as the mayor on November 21, 2005. His resignation date is uncertain.   65 29 35 1 7a
9/15/2005 Resignation Sen. David Gaither (R, 43) resigned effective September 15, 2005 to become Gov. Pawlenty's chief of staff.   66 30 35 1 6a
1/4/2005 Convenes   67 31 35 1 5a
7/21/2004 Special election Rep. Chris Gerlach (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 37 on July 13, 2004. He took office on July 21, 2004.   67 31 35 1 5a
6/29/2004 Resignation Sen. David Knutson (R, 37) resigned because he was appointed to district judgeship. His resignation date is unclear.   66 30 35 1 6a
5/11/2004 Party/Caucus change Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (Independence, 30) joins the DFL caucus.   67 31 35 1 5a
5/6/2004 Party/Caucus change Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (Independence, 30) was asked to leave the Republican caucus.   67 31 35 1 4j
2/2/2004 Convenes   67 31 35 1 3b
5/29/2003 Party/Caucus change After the 2003 Special Session, Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL, 6) left the DFL caucus, but remained in the DFL party. The legislature was not in session while he was not a member of the DFL caucus.   67 31 34 2 3k
1/7/2003 Convenes   67 31 35 1 3b
12/13/2002 Party/Caucus change Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (Independence, 30) joins the Republican caucus. (Sen. Bob Lessard is the other Ind. Party member; he is retiring at the end of the term. He did not caucus with either party.)   67 26 39 2 12c
7/9/2002 Party/Caucus change Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (R, 30) became a member of the Independence party.   67 26 39 2 13i
2/4/2002 Special election Mee Moua (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 67 on January 29, 2002 in a special election. She was sworn in on February 4, 2002.   67 27 39 1 12h
2/4/2002 Special election Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL) won seat that had been held by her husband in the special election for a Senate seat in District 7 on January 29, 2002. She was sworn in on February 4, 2002.   67 27 39 1 12h
1/29/2002 Convenes Districts 7 and 67 were vacant at the convening of the Legislature.   65 27 37 1 10h
1/2/2002 Resignation Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL, 67) resigned effective January 2, 2002. He was elected to the position of Mayor of Saint Paul.   65 27 37 1 10h
12/28/2001 Death Sen. Sam Solon (DFL, 7)   66 27 38 1 11h
1/3/2001 Convenes   67 27 39 1 12h
1/3/2001 Party/Caucus change Sen. Bob Lessard (independent, 3) joins Independence Party.   67 27 39 1 12h
7/18/2000 Party/Caucus change Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL, 3) becomes an independent.   67 26 40 1 14h
6/15/2000 Party/Caucus change Sen. Charlie Berg (independent, 13) becomes Republican.   67 26 41 0 15
2/1/2000 Convenes   67 25 41 1 16g
1/12/2000 Party/Caucus change Sen. Dean Johnson (R, 15) joins the DFL Party.   67 25 41 1 16g
12/23/1999 Special election Tony Kinkel (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 4 on December 14, 1999. He was sworn in on December 23, 1999.   67 26 40 1 14g
12/23/1999 Special election Twyla Ring (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 18 on November 2, 1999. She was sworn in on December 23, 1999.   66 26 39 1 13g
10/27/1999 Resignation Sen. David Ten Eyck (DFL, 4) resigned. He was appointed Crow Wing County district judge.   65 26 38 1 12g
8/21/1999 Death Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL,18).   66 26 39 1 13g
4/21/1999 Special election Bob Kierlin (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 32 on April 13, 1999. He was sworn in on April 21, 1999.   67 26 40 1 14g
4/6/1999 Special election Don Ziegler (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 26 on March 30, 1999. He was sworn in on April 6, 1999.   66 25 40 1 15g
3/15/1999 Resignation Sen. Steve Morse (DFL, 32) resigned effective March 15, 1999. He was appointed to a Deputy Commissioner position with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.   65 24 40 1 16g
3/1/1999 Resignation Sen. Tracy Beckman (DFL, 26) resigned effective February 26, 1999. He was appointed to a position in a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.   66 24 41 1 17g
1/5/1999 Convenes   67 24 42 1 18g
1/20/1998 Convenes   67 24 42 1 18g
1/7/1997 Convenes   67 24 42 1 18g
7/1/1996 Resignation Sen. Skip Finn (DFL, 4) resigned. There was no special election held.   66 25 40 1 15g
5/1996 Party/Caucus change Sen. Charlie Berg (DFL, 13) becomes independent. The exact date of his party change in May is unknown.   67 25 41 1 16g
2/12/1996 Special election Michelle Fischbach (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 14 on February 6, 1996. She was sworn in on Feburary 12, 1996.   67 25 42 0 17
1/16/1996 Convenes District 14 was vacant at the convening of the Legislature due to a resignation.   66 24 42 0 18
1/9/1996 Resignation Sen. Joe Bertram (DFL, 14) resigned.   66 24 42 0 18
2/13/1995 Special election Rep. Warren Limmer (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 33 on February 2, 1995. He was sworn in on February 13, 1995.   67 24 43 0 19
1/9/1995 Special election Dave Kleis (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 16 on December 29, 1994. He was sworn in on January 9, 1995.   66 23 43 0 20
1/9/1995 Special election Don Kramer (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 47 on December 29, 1994. He was sworn in on January 9, 1995.   66 23 43 0 20
1/3/1995 Convenes Districts 16, 33, and 47 were vacant at the convening of the Legislature.   64 21 43 0 22
1/3/1995 Special election Mark Ourada (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 19 on November 8, 1994. He was sworn in on January 3, 1995.   64 21 43 0 22
1/2/1995 Resignation Sen. Joanne Benson (IR, 16) elected lieutenant governor.   63 20 43 0 23
1/1/1995 Resignation Sen. Bill Luther (DFL, 47) elected to U.S. House.   64 21 43 0 22
1/1/1995 Resignation Sen. Betty Adkins (DFL, 19) retires early, effective January 1995.   65 21 44 0 23
12/27/1994 Resignation Sen. Pat McGowan (IR, 33) resigned after he was elected to be Hennepin County sheriff.   66 21 45 0 24
12/8/1994 Special election Kenric Scheevel (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 31 on November 8, 1994. He was sworn in on December 8, 1994.   67 22 45 0 23
9/19/1994 Resignation Sen. Duane Benson (IR, 31) resigned to become director of Minnesota Business Partnership.   66 21 45 0 24
2/22/1994 Convenes   67 22 45 0 23
1/5/1993 Convenes   67 22 45 0 23
5/20/1992 Resignation Sen. Jim Gustafson (IR, 8) appointed commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board; no special election.   66 20 46 0 26
1/9/1992 Special election Roy Terwilliger (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 42 on January 4, 1992. He was sworn in on January 9, 1992.   67 21 46 0 25
1/6/1992 Convenes District 42 was vacant at the convening of the Legislature due to a resignation.   66 20 46 0 26
12/7/1991 Resignation Sen. Don Storm (IR, 42) appointed to Public Utilities Commission.   66 20 46 0 26
1/8/1991 Convenes   67 21 46 0 25
2/15/1990 Special election Carol Flynn (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 61 on February 10, 1990. She was sworn in on February 15, 1990.   67 23 44 0 21
2/12/1990 Convenes District 61 was vacant at the convening of the Legislature due to a resignation.   66 23 43 0 20
2/12/1990 Special election Former House member, Mark Piepho (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 24 on February 3, 1990. He was sworn in on February 12, 1990.   66 23 43 0 20
2/3/1990 Resignation Sen. Glen Taylor (IR, 24) resigned effective February 3, 1990 to devote more time to his business interests.   65 22 43 0 21
1/15/1990 Resignation Sen. Donna Peterson (DFL, 61) resigned after being hired (effective January 16, 1990) as a lobbyist for the University of Minnesota. Her official term end date is uncertain.   66 23 43 0 20
1/3/1989 Convenes   67 23 44 0 21
1/3/1989 Special election Pat McGowan (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 48 on December 20, 1988. He was sworn in on January 3, 1989.   67 23 44 0 21
1/3/1989 Special election Pat Pariseau (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 37 on November 8, 1988. She was sworn in on January 3, 1989.   67 22 45 0 23
1/2/1989 Resignation Sen. Tad Jude (DFL, 48) resigned effective January 2, 1989. He was elected Hennepin County Commissioner on November 8, 1988.   66 22 44 0 22
1/1/1989 Resignation Sen. Darril Wegscheid (DFL, 37) resigned effective January 1, 1989 to devote more time to his career.   66 21 45 0 24
2/9/1988 Convenes   67 21 46 0 25
11/16/1987 Special election Robert Decker (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 4 on November 3, 1987. He was sworn in on November 16, 1987.   67 21 46 0 25
11/14/1987 Resignation Sen. Gerald Willet (DFL, 4) resigned due to his appointment as director of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. His resignation date is unclear, but his appointment was effective November 15, 1987.   66 20 46 0 26
1/6/1987 Convenes   67 20 47 0 27
5/1/1986 Party/Caucus change Sen. Charles Berg (independent) becomes DFL. The exact date in May is uncertain.   67 24 43 0 19
2/3/1986 Convenes   67 24 42 1 18g
3/7/1985 Party/Caucus change Sen. Charles Berg (IR) becomes independent.   67 24 42 1 18g
2/11/1985 Special election Jim Gustafson (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 8 on February 5, 1985. He was sworn in on February 11, 1985.   67 25 42 0 17
1/9/1985 Resignation Sen. James Ulland (IR, 8) resigned to become a senior vice president of First Bank Systems.   66 24 42 0 18
1/8/1985 Convenes   67 25 42 0 17
3/6/1984 Convenes   67 25 42 0 17
1/4/1983 Convenes   67 25 42 0 17
1/12/1982 Convenes   67 23 44 0 21
5/15/1981 Special election Randy Kamrath (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 20 on May 12, 1981. He was sworn in on May 15, 1981.   67 23 44 0 21
4/10/1981 Resignation Sen. Jim Nichols (DFL, 20) resigned to focus on the needs of his family and farm.   66 22 44 0 22
1/6/1981 Convenes   67 22 45 0 23
7/1/1980 Resignation Sen. Bob Dunn (IR, 18) resigned to become chairman of Waste Management Board; no special election.   65 21 44 0 23
5/1/1980 Resignation Sen. William McCutcheon (DFL, 67) resigned to become St. Paul police chief. The term end day is unclear. No special election was held.   66 22 44 0 22
2/28/1980 Special election Ben Omann (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 16 on February 22, 1980. He was sworn in on February 28, 1980.   67 22 45 0 23
1/22/1980 Convenes District 16 was vacant at the convening of the Legislature due to a death.   66 21 45 0 24
1/20/1980 Death Sen. Ed Schrom (DFL, 16).   66 21 45 0 24
1/16/1980 Special election Former House member, Emery Barrette (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 66 on January 8, 1980. He was sworn in on January 16, 1980.   67 21 46 0 25
11/26/1979 Resignation Sen. John Chenoweth (DFL, 66) resigned to become director of Minneapolis Municipal Employees Retirement Association.   66 20 46 0 26
11/12/1979 Special election Anne Stokowski (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 55 on November 6, 1979. She was sworn in on November 12, 1979.   67 20 47 0 27
8/1/1979 Death Sen. Eugene Stokowski (DFL, 55).   66 20 46 0 26
7/9/1979 Special election Irv Stern (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 41 on June 19, 1979. He was sworn in on July 9, 1979.   67 20 47 0 27
4/25/1979 Death Sen. Robert Lewis (DFL, 41)   66 20 46 0 26
1/3/1979 Convenes   67 20 47 0 27
12/29/1978 Special election David Rued (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 13 on December 19, 1978. He was sworn in on December 29, 1978.   67 20 47 0 27
11/15/1978 Resignation Sen. Win Borden (DFL, 13) resigned to become executive secretary of MACI.   66 19 47 0 28
1/17/1978 Convenes   67 19 48 0 29
12/9/1977 Special election Delores Knaak (IR) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 49 on December 3, 1977. She was sworn in on December 9, 1977.   67 19 48 0 29
11/1/1977 Resignation Sen. John Milton (DFL, 49) resigned.   66 18 48 0 30
2/15/1977 Special election Rep. A. O. Setzepfandt (DFL, 21B) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 21 in a special election on February 5, 1977. He was sworn in on February 15, 1977.   67 18 49 0 31
1/4/1977 Convenes District 21 was vacant at the convening of the Legislature due to a resignation.   66 18 48 0 30
12/29/1976 Resignation Sen. Alec Olson (DFL, 21) resigned to become lieutenant governor.   66 18 48 0 30
11/2/1976 Election   67 18 49 0 31
1/27/1976 Convenes   67 28 38 1 10d
2/10/1975 Special election Nancy Brataas (R) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 33 on February 1, 1975. She was sworn in on February 10, 1975.   67 28 38 1 9d
1/7/1975 Convenes District 33 was vacant at the convening of the Legislature due to a resignation.   66 27 38 1 10d
1/7/1975 Special election Robert J. (Bob) Schmitz (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 36 on December 14, 1974. He was sworn in on January 7, 1975.   66 27 38 1 10d
1/7/1975 Special election Eugene Merriam (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 47 on November 5, 1974. He was sworn in on January 7, 1975.   66 27 38 1 10d
1/7/1975 Special election Peter Stumpf (DFL) won the special election for a Senate seat in District 64 on November 5, 1974. He was sworn in on January 7, 1975.   66 27 38 1 10d
1/1/1975 Resignation Sen. Harold Krieger (R, 33) resigned because he was elected Olmsted County judge. His official term end date is uncertain.   62 30 32 0 2
11/5/1974 Resignation Sen. Jim Lord (DFL, 36) resigned because he was elected state treasurer. His resignation date is possibly the date of the election, but it is unclear.   63 31 32 0 1
6/28/1974 Resignation Sen. Stanley Thorup (DFL, 47) resigned effective June 28, 1974. He was appointed to serve as a judge in Anoka County.   64 31 33 0 2
6/10/1974 Resignation Sen. Ed Novak (DFL, 64) resigned. He was appointed Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.   66 31 35 0 4
1/15/1974 Convenes Sen. Bill McCutcheon switched from the Republican party to the DFL party in December 1973 and Sen. Charlie Berg became an independent following the 1973 legislative session.   67 31 36 0 5
1/2/1973 Convenes   67 30 37 0 7
1/5/1971 Convenes   67 34 33 0 1
1/7/1969 Convenes   67 45 22 0 23
1/3/1967 Convenes   67 45 22 0 23
1/5/1965 Convenes   67 44 23 0 21
1/8/1963 Convenes   67 43 24 0 19
1/3/1961 Convenes   67 43 24 0 19
1/6/1959 Convenes   67 43 24 0 19
1/8/1957 Convenes   67 48 19 0 29
1/4/1955 Convenes   67 48 19 0 29
1/6/1953 Convenes   67 52 15 0 37
1/2/1951 Convenes   67 51 16 0 35

a This margin reflects that Senator Sheila Kiscaden caucused with the Democrats.
b This margin reflects that Senator Sheila Kiscaden caucused with the Republicans.
c The margin reflects the fact that one member of the Independence party, Senator Sheila Kiscaden, caucused with the Republican caucus and the other Independence party member, Senator Bob Lessard, was not a member of either caucus.
d Senator Charlie Berg is listed in the 1975-76 Legislative Manual as caucusing with the Independent Republican caucus. He is included with the Republicans for the purposes of the margin.
e An article in the St. Cloud Times on August 12, 2010, states that "Koering served two terms as a Republican, but said [on August 11] he´s leaving the party after it helped elect former state representative Paul Gazelka of Brainerd." (Sommerhauser, Mark. "Koering to Back DFL's Stevenson After Leaving GOP." St. Cloud Times, August 12, 2010)
f Senator Tom Bakk and Senator David Tomassoni formed a separate and independent caucus. Their party endorsement in the 2020 election was DFL. Both senators asserted that they hadn’t left the DFL party but rather are caucusing independent of the senate DFL caucus. However, during session they primarily caucused with the Republican caucus and chaired committees, so they are included with the Republican caucus for the purposes of the margin.
g During this time, Senator Charlie Berg did not caucus with the Republicans or the Democrats. He is not included in the calculation of the margin.
h During this time, Senator Bob Lessard did not caucus with the Republicans or the Democrats. He is not included in the calculation of the margin.
i During this time, Senator Sheila Kiscaden and Senator Bob Lessard did not caucus with the Republicans or the Democrats. They are not included in the calculation of the margin.
j This margin reflects that Senator Sheila Kiscaden caucused independently.
k For the purposes of the margin, Senator Bakk is counted with the Democrats and Senator Sheila Kiscaden caucused with the Republicans.

Sources of data:

  • Legislative Directory (unofficial), 1957-1973 (Minnesota Railroads Association)
  • Membership directories, 1987-1989 (Minnesota House of Representatives)
  • Newspaper clippings, 1970s- (especially for mid-term changes)
  • House and Senate journals