SAINT PAUL, MN — Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth secured the Minnesota House speakership Thursday, marking a decisive victory for the GOP after a 23-day standoff with DFL legislators who had boycotted the chamber since January 14. The resolution effectively dismantles the DFL's previous legislative trifecta and grants Republicans significant oversight powers.
The 67-66 Republican majority proved sufficient to install Demuth as speaker without the power-sharing arrangement initially demanded by DFL leadership. Democrats, who had refused to attend legislative sessions for more than three weeks, returned to the chamber facing mounting public pressure and concerns over continued salary payments during their absence.
"The significance of this great honor doesn't escape me," said Demuth, who makes history as both the first Black woman and first Republican female to hold the speakership. "At this critical juncture in our state's history, Speaker Demuth is the leader that we really need," added Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar), emphasizing her ability to build consensus across party lines in the interest of all Minnesotans.
The agreement grants Republicans control of all House committees through the March 11 special election and maintains GOP leadership of a new fraud and oversight committee for two years. This committee will investigate what Rep. Pam Altendorf (R-Red Wing) describes as "rampant fraud happening over Minnesota under the Gov. Tim Walz administration."
The DFL's capitulation comes after weeks of insisting on a power-sharing agreement, which they first proposed on January 13. Their position remained unchanged for four weeks until February 5, when they offered to elect Demuth as Speaker and allow the formation of the fraud committee – terms that closely aligned with the GOP's original stance.
Rep. Dave Baker, (R-Willmar), who nominated Demuth, emphasized the significance of the resolution. "While recent weeks have tested us all, today is a day that we come together, that we move forward and we restore the work of the people's house," Baker said during the floor session.
The Republican victory ensures their ability to control the House schedule and block legislation they deem extreme. This effectively ends the Democratic trifecta that had previously dominated Minnesota state politics, and this shift in power dynamics represents a significant change in the state's legislative landscape.
The resolution came after the Minnesota Supreme Court had ruled for the Democrats on the quorum requirement of 68 members, but before Republicans could pursue legal action to compel Democratic attendance. The agreement also addresses the contested election of DFL Rep. Brad Tabke, allowing Democrats to block efforts to unseat him despite ongoing concerns about his 14-vote margin of victory in a race where 20 ballots were lost.
The special election scheduled for March 11 will fill the vacancy created when Democrat Curtis Johnson was ruled ineligible to take office due to residency requirements, a development that initially gave Republicans their one-seat majority.
Demuth's appointment as speaker marks the beginning of a new legislative era in Minnesota, with Republicans positioned to exercise significant influence over the state's legislative agenda. The GOP's success in maintaining their position throughout the standoff demonstrates the effectiveness of their strategy in upholding the 67-66 majority as a clear mandate for leadership.
