The upcoming Minnesota legislative session faces uncertainty as House Democrats consider boycotting the initial two weeks, potentially halting legislative progress.

The political standoff stems from a closely divided House, contested election results, and unresolved disputes over power-sharing arrangements, as Fox News reports.

Democrats Plan Strategic Absence

House Democrats have announced they may skip the first two weeks of the legislative session, set to begin on Jan. 14. This absence would prevent the Republican-controlled chamber from reaching the necessary quorum to conduct legislative business. The potential boycott highlights escalating tensions in a narrowly divided House.

The situation arises after a judge declared Democratic Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson ineligible in December for not meeting residency requirements in his district.

His disqualification gives Republicans a one-seat advantage, but this is subject to change depending on the outcome of a special election scheduled for Jan. 28.

Democratic leaders have indicated they might return to the session if their party regains Johnson’s seat in the special election. A Democratic Party victory would result in a 67-67 tie, complicating any attempts at unilateral control by Republicans.

Republicans Face Obstacles to Governance

Republican leaders are determined to elect a House speaker during the initial session to solidify control over committee leadership for the next two years. However, the Democrats' boycott threatens to stall this process.

Adding to the complications is the ongoing legal contest over Democrat State Rep. Brad Tabke’s election win. Republicans have hinted they might refuse to seat Tabke, further intensifying the political impasse. House GOP Leader Lisa Demuth has expressed frustration over the Democrats’ potential absence, calling into question their commitment to legislative duties.

“I will expect that they’ll be professional legislators and show up,” Demuth stated, while also suggesting the boycott could lead to recall efforts against Democratic representatives.

Power-Sharing Negotiations Hang in Balance

House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman has advocated for a power-sharing agreement, reflecting the nearly even split in the chamber. Hortman has emphasized the importance of cooperation, suggesting that Democrats may not attend unless a fair agreement is reached.

“If there is no power-sharing agreement, we will not be here,” Hortman explained. Despite the tensions, she remains optimistic that both parties can reach an understanding before the session begins.

“Things work themselves out,” Hortman added. “We have lots of time to come together and discuss how we can work together.”

Special Election Looms As Critical Factor

The special election on Jan. 28 could significantly alter the dynamics of the Minnesota House. A Democratic Party win would eliminate the Republicans’ slim majority, forcing a more collaborative approach to governance. Until then, the legislative session remains in limbo.

The role of Secretary of State Steve Simon will also be pivotal in overseeing the first session and determining whether a quorum is present. His decisions could shape the early proceedings of the new legislative term.

Both parties face significant stakes in the unfolding situation. For Republicans, consolidating power through a speaker election is critical. For Democrats, leveraging their near-equal representation to secure shared control is equally vital.

High Stakes for Both Parties

As Jan. 14 approaches, the question of whether the Democrats will follow through on their boycott remains unresolved. The absence of a clear agreement between the two sides underscores the challenges of navigating a deeply divided legislature.

The possibility of recall efforts, as hinted by Demuth, further raises the stakes for Democrats. Meanwhile, Republicans must contend with the risk of losing their majority in the upcoming special election, which could upend their plans for the session.

Observers anticipate that the coming weeks will test the limits of bipartisanship in Minnesota politics. With both parties standing firm on their demands, the outcome of these negotiations could set the tone for the state’s governance in the next two years.