Supreme Court Sides With Democrats

On Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to Republican efforts in the state’s House of Representatives, siding with Democrats in a ruling that the GOP did not have enough members to legally conduct business. The Court ruled that a quorum, the minimum number of members required to transact official business, is 68 out of the 134 total seats in the Minnesota House, despite Republicans arguing they could operate with just 67.

The case stems from a series of complications following the November election, which initially resulted in a 67-67 tie between the two major parties. However, one seat was left vacant when a judge ruled that a Democratic candidate had failed to meet residency requirements. Adding to the confusion, Democrat Brad Tabke’s victory was called into question when 20 ballots were found to be missing. Although a judge ruled in Tabke’s favor, the situation left Republicans contending that they had a narrow 67-66 majority, which they claimed entitled them to elect a Speaker and push forward with legislative work.

But the Court ruled that vacancies do not reduce the number of members required to meet a quorum, which, under Minnesota law, remains 68. “The total number of seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives is 134 seats,” the Court emphasized, dismissing the GOP’s interpretation that with one vacant seat, the remaining 133 could function with 67 members.

This ruling has sparked renewed conflict between the parties. House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman wasted no time in framing the decision as a victory for the will of the voters. “Republicans tried to seize power that the voters did not give them,” she stated, signaling that Democrats were ready to negotiate, but only if the GOP agreed to work in a power-sharing agreement once the special election was held to fill the vacant seat.

House GOP Leader Lisa Demuth was quick to counter, accusing Democrats of undermining their responsibility to the people by boycotting the start of the session. “This decision makes it clear that House Democrats are disrespecting not just their own constituents, but the entire state of Minnesota by refusing to do their jobs,” she said, urging for the Democrats’ walkout to end and for the legislature to get back to work.

With both parties dug in and no immediate compromise in sight, the Minnesota House now faces a critical standoff, one that highlights the growing divide and contentious power struggles between the two sides. While the Democrats may feel emboldened by the Court’s decision, Republicans are steadfast in their belief that they should have the opportunity to lead, at least temporarily, due to their narrow majority. This battle is far from over, and the state could see months of tense negotiations and possible legal challenges ahead.

As Republicans continue to call out what they see as Democrat obstructionism, the question remains: Will Minnesota’s legislature get back to work for the people, or will partisan gridlock persist as both sides fight for control? Only time will tell, but this ruling has certainly set the stage for a prolonged struggle over the state’s political future.