So often, the races that need our attention we just don’t hear about. Take for example, a special election happening right now in MN. This isn’t a red herring: MN is in a one seat fight for control in both the State House and State Senate.
I know what you’re thinking. “Minnesota? Land of Tim Walz and his free school lunches, abortion access, and a safe space for all? That Minnesota?” Yep, that Minnesota, now at risk of losing the Democratic majority in both the MN State House & Senate. Why should you care if you don’t live in MN? Because holding power in states is critical to fight the Trump agenda AND to show voters a better alternative. This is what will lead us back to power everywhere.
You won’t believe the chaos that got us here, but if you’re ready to help now, click to donate to the Democratic candidates trying to keep Minnesota’s legislature from going Republican.
What went wrong
Like Democrats in every state, Minnesotan candidates got hit by the 2024 Trump wave and unfortunately donors like us compounded the issue by putting money into the wrong races. MN incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar raised nearly $22M while her Republican challenger raised a mere $1.5M. That money plus money in other races, could have been better spent on down ballot races that were ultimately lost to Republicans. That’s why Flip the States exists – to help guide money to where it’s best invested.
Going into Election Day 2024, Minnesota Democrats held a slim majority in the House (70-64) while the State Senate was tied due to a vacancy. After the election, the House appeared to be tied while the Senate had a one-seat Democratic majority.
The drama did not end on Election Day….
If you’re following this closely, Minnesota is one big soap opera right now. To catch you up to speed:
- MN State House 54A: A tightly contested State House district in the southwestern Twin Cities suburbs actually did have some election day irregularities. Ballots were recounted multiple times. A few ballots in a heavily progressive ward were lost. The Democratic incumbent Rep. Brad Tabke still came out on top of the multiple recounts, even without the lost ballots, but Republicans filed a lawsuit seeking a nullification and a new special election. They were rebuffed by the court in early January but that has not stopped their efforts to deny this seat and push it to a special election in hopes of seizing control of the State House.
- MN State House 40B: Additionally, one other winning Democratic House candidate lost his seat shortly after the election because he didn’t actually reside in his district and the Court ruled him ineligible to serve. He decided not to run in the special election to fill the vacancy his screw-up created. This seat is now empty, awaiting a new special election.
- MN Senate District 60: The next day, the previous MN State Senate majority leader, who had not faced re-election in 2024, passed away after a long battle with cancer, leaving her seat vacant. A special election must now be held for her seat.
As of today, the Minnesota House sits at 67 Republicans and 66 Democrats, with one vacancy pending the House 40B special election. The Minnesota Senate is tied 33-33 with one vacancy pending the Senate 60 special election.
But wait, there’s more…
With their one seat majority while awaiting special elections, the Republican House Caucus refused to seat Rep. Tabke despite clear direction from the courts that he is a duly elected representative. In response, Democrats were sworn-in in secret by a judge at a nearby site, but then refused to show up in the House chamber on the opening day of the legislative session, denying the Republicans the 68 member quorum they needed to elect a Speaker of the House.
But Republicans tried to elect a Speaker anyway and got into a fight with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
They ended up in Court and the Minnesota Supreme Court recently unanimously sided with the Democrats. Minnesota’s Constitution requires 68 members present to do business, meaning either the House will do nothing until the special election happens or Democrats and Republicans will come to a power sharing agreement. Despite Rep. Tabke being sworn-in, Republicans are still standing in his way. If Democrats can achieve a special election victory in MN State House 40B, a tied House gives Democrats leverage to make sure Rep Tabke takes his seat, and to insist on power-sharing.
What Now? MN Dems need our support
Minnesota Democrats need funding in three races:
- MN State House 54A: Rep. Brad Tabke still hasn’t been able to take his seat. His campaign needs money for legal bills and an almost certain competitive election in 2026.
- MN House 40B: Candidate David Gottfried needs your support to win, so the House will return to a 67-67 tie.
- MN Senate District 60: Candidate Doron Clark needs your support to help Democrats take back a one vote margin.
Best case scenario: Why Your Donations Here MatterMinnesota isn’t going to have a trifecta of House – Senate – Governor in 2025, but with your help it could be a tied State House, with Democrats in control of the State Senate and Governor. Minnesota gave us Tim Walz this year, when we most needed to see masculinity and politics redefined into something healthier and admirable. Let’s give Minnesota back the Democratic control it needs to stay a beacon of light in these dark national times. With all the Trump appointments, more special elections are coming. But not all are winnable or difference-making like these ones. Stay tuned for more special election updates coming. Amber |
| PS. If you haven’t yet heard about it, look for us to update you next on the April WI Supreme Court race. Last year, a different WI Supreme Court race win fundamentally changed the worst gerrymandered voting maps in the country in WI. We won then and we can and must do it again. Share our Path to Power newsletter with 3 friends to help us get the word out. |
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