A recent court ruling on residency has led to a temporary power shift in the Minnesota State House.

The ruling disqualified Democrat Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson from office, which granted the Republicans interim control of the state House, as the Washington Examiner reports.

As we ring in the New Year, we also witness a brief period in which Republicans manage the State House until a special election takes place, significantly deviating from what was supposed to be a tied representation.

In the past election, the Minnesota State House saw Republicans securing numerous vital positions. This led to a poised situation where both parties had 67 seats each.

However, the aforementioned court ruling managed to unsettle this delicate balance.

Johnson Falls Short on Residency Counts

The court found Democrat Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson ineligible for his seat due to non-compliance with residency requirements.

Johnson was found to be not a resident of his district, which tipped the scales in favor of the Republicans and disrupted the expected 67-67 tie.

Choosing homage to the court's verdict, Johnson announced he would not appeal and would resign from his position. He admitted that there were slim chances for him to retain his seat.

Johnson stated, “While I disagree with the conclusions reached by the District Court, I recognize that whatever the decision on appeal, the ultimate decision belongs to the Legislature, where there appears to be no viable pathway for me being allowed to retain my seat.”

Short-Lived Republican Majority

Following the legal proceedings, when the Minnesota State House convenes for the first time in 2025 on Jan. 14, Republicans would enjoy a short-lived majority of 67-66.

However, this situation is predicted to change with the special election that is scheduled for later in the month.

Gov. Tim Walz announced the special election date, which is slated for Jan. 28.

The vacant district, which leans heavily towards the Democrats, is expected to restore the equilibrium of the House.

Despite these volatile circumstances, Lisa Demuth, the Republican State House Speaker-designate has interpreted the situation as advantageous to the GOP, providing them an organizational upper hand in the chamber.

Battle for Majority Continues

The Democrats, however, have argued against Demuth’s claim, asserting that clear control would require a 68-seat stronghold, a belief echoed by the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Regardless of the current disarray, they strongly believe in the need for a restoration of balance after the special election.

Johnson added, "Rather than dragging this out further, I have decided to resign now, so that a special election can be held as soon as possible, and the people of 40B will be represented in the Legislature."

As both parties anxiously await the special election results, the current situation presents Republicans with a temporary majority that could easily sway in favor of a tie following the election.