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Turnover in Legislative Seats
Turnover in Minnesota Legislative Seats, 1970-present
Compiled by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
The Legislative Reference Library has collected standardized turnover statistics for the Minnesota Legislature since 1970. Turnover is calculated in different ways by different organizations, so our statistics may not be easily compared with, for example, statistics from the Council of State Governments.
Turnover is calculated by dividing the number of new legislators by the total number of legislators, then multiplying by 100 to obtain the percentage. The figure for new legislators should be equal to the number of incumbents defeated plus the number of incumbents who did not run for re-election.
The percentage of incumbent legislators returned to office during each general election is calculated by taking the total number of incumbents who ran minus the total number of incumbents defeated. Divide the number of incumbents who won by the number of incumbents who ran, then multiply by 100. The result is the percentage of Minnesota legislators who ran for re-election and won. Click on details for each year to see the actual numbers used in the calculation.
The number of legislators who have never previously served in the Legislature is another way of looking at change in legislative seats. The last two columns reflect totally new legislators; more details are available at New Legislators With No Previous Legislative Experience.
*The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled on September 8, 2016 that Rep. Bob Barrett was ineligible to run in the November election because he did not reside in his district (32B). Minnesota Statute 204B.13 prescribes a February special election under these circumstances.