All 66 Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) members of the Minnesota House of Representatives boycotted the opening day of the 2025 legislative session Tuesday, following a contentious week of procedural posturing over election results and pending court decisions. The dramatic first day unfolded as Secretary of State Steve Simon gaveled in the session at noon with 67 Republican members in attendance, declaring no quorum present in the absence of Democrat members.
After Simon's departure, Republicans followed Minnesota Statute 3.05 to continue the session, installed the senior member present (Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck) as temporary presiding officer and elected Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) as House speaker.
"We came to work and the Democrats are not willing to show up for their constituents," said Rep. Pam Altendorf (R-Red Wing). "We are confident we followed the constitution."
Political tensions stem from the House Republicans holding a temporary 67-66 majority until a special election that will occur in two weeks. The one-seat advantage emerged after a court ruling disqualified a DFL representative-elect in the Roseville area for failing to meet residency requirements.
Another contested election involving Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee), who won by 14 votes in a race where 20 ballots were reportedly destroyed, added to the controversy. Former Rep. Jeremy Munson (R-Lake Crystal) emphasized the legislature's constitutional role in election matters.
"The legislature is the final arbiter of their elections, not the judicial or executive branch," Munson said. "When you discard enough ballots to cover the spread between the winner and loser of an election, the only just solution is to call for a new election."
As one of the actions under the new leadership, Republicans created an oversight committee with subpoena powers to investigate alleged fraud in state programs. "We are planning on calling in Walz's commissioners for accountability," Altendorf recounted.
Absent DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman criticized the proceedings off-site, promising legal challenges. Governor Tim Walz also questioned the legitimacy of the session stating "As much as House Republicans may want to govern as a single party, the law is the law and the House is not in session."
Meanwhile Walz's authority to call a special election before the legislative session began has been challenged, as state law requires at least six days for filing notice.
"The law requires at least 6 days for filing notice. This permits just and equitable elections by permitting third parties time to secure the necessary 500 signatures for ballot access," Munson explained.
The House is scheduled to reconvene Wednesday at noon. Republicans maintain they will continue conducting legislative business, with or without DFL participation, until court challenges are resolved or Democrats return to participate in the proceedings.
While the House is tied up in discord, the Minnesota Senate, currently split 33-33, successfully implemented a power-sharing agreement between the parties, with both Republican and Democratic members participating in Tuesday's opening session.
