Gov. Walz calls for special election, GOP to start legislative term with majority in Minnesota House

On Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill a vacancy in House District 40B in Ramsey County. The writ followed the resignation of Representative-elect Curtis Johnson, who announced earlier in the day that he would not contest a ruling from the Ramsey County District Court that he did not meet the residency requirement for the district at the time of his election.

After initial election results showed a 67-67 split in the House between the Democratic Farmer Laborer party and the Republican party, leaders in the House agreed to an even split of committee assignments. On Dec. 11 the House released those assignments reflecting shared power between the parties.

At the start of the legislative term on Jan. 14, the House Republicans will hold a one-vote lead, though there has not been a public statement from state leadership on whether there will be changes made to committee assignments or the power sharing agreement before the special election.

The election to fill the vacancy will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, with the option of a primary to be held on Jan. 14, if necessary. Those interested in running will have until 5 p.m on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 to file with the Secretary of State or the county auditor of Ramsey County.

Kirsten Wisniewski December 29, 2024