Minnesota Republicans have filed a lawsuit challenging the results of the closely contested state House race in District 54A, where Democrat Brad Tabke was declared the winner by a margin of just 14 votes. The suit alleges that election officials in Scott County destroyed 20 valid absentee ballots, a claim that could potentially alter the balance of power in the Minnesota House.

According to The Associated Press, the outcome of the lawsuit could lead to a special election, where a Republican victory would shift the Minnesota House from a tie to a Republican majority.

The controversy began with the initial election results in District 54A, which showed Tabke narrowly defeating his Republican opponent.

A recount confirmed Tabke's victory, but a subsequent post-election audit revealed discrepancies involving absentee ballots. Investigators discovered that 21 absentee ballots were missing, with 20 suspected of being improperly disposed of.

Investigation Finds Ballots Were Discarded

According to Scott County Attorney Ronald Hocevar, the missing ballots were accepted for counting on October 17 but were never removed from their security envelopes.

These ballots were later mistakenly thrown away with recycling materials and could not be recovered. The 21st missing ballot came from a different precinct and remains unaccounted for.

Hocevar’s findings suggest that the destruction of the ballots was an error by election workers and not an intentional act. However, the error has raised significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in District 54A.

In response, the Minnesota Republican Party filed a legal challenge on Monday, arguing that the mishandling of ballots necessitates invalidating the election results and declaring the seat vacant. This would pave the way for a special election to determine the rightful winner.

GOP Pushes For Special Election Amid Tight Race

The Republican lawsuit characterizes the actions of election officials as a breach of public trust and Minnesota election laws. “The actions of Scott County elections officials constitute a serious breach of not only Minnesota Election Law but the public trust in our electoral system,” the lawsuit claims.

House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth echoed this sentiment, expressing appreciation for Scott County's transparency while emphasizing the need for accountability. “We appreciate the efforts by Scott County to investigate this matter and be transparent about their findings,” Demuth said.

For Democrats, however, the recount and official canvass are sufficient evidence to uphold the election results. Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman stated confidence in Tabke’s ability to prevail in the election contest. “Rep. Brad Tabke won the election in District 54A by the count on Election Night and in the recount. We expect Rep. Tabke will prevail again in the election contest,” Hortman said.

Potential Shift In Power Looms Over Dispute

The stakes are high in District 54A, as the Minnesota House currently stands at an even 67-67 split between Democrats and Republicans. A Republican win in a special election could tip the balance, giving the GOP a 68-66 majority. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Senate holds a narrow Democratic majority, ensuring that divided government will persist regardless of the House outcome.

This lawsuit is not the only legal challenge Republicans have mounted in Minnesota. Last month, they filed a separate case over a House race in Roseville, arguing that the Democratic winner does not reside in the district. However, this dispute is unlikely to impact the balance of power in the legislature.

The controversy surrounding District 54A underscores the fragility of close elections and the importance of procedural accuracy. While Republicans call for a special election to address the missing ballots, Democrats maintain that the existing results and recounts reflect the will of the voters.

Legal Battle May Shape Future Elections

The court's decision on whether to order a new election in District 54A will likely have significant implications for future races in Minnesota. If the court sides with Republicans, the precedent could lead to more election contests in tightly fought districts. Conversely, upholding the current results might reinforce confidence in recount procedures, despite isolated errors.

As the legal process unfolds, both parties are preparing for the possibility of a special election. Republicans hope to capitalize on the opportunity to secure a House majority, while Democrats aim to defend their narrow victory.

With the balance of power in the Minnesota House at stake, the outcome of this lawsuit could shape the state’s political landscape heading into 2025 and beyond.