Government Affairs Director
Ewald Consulting
MASA Lobbyist
The results of Minnesota’s 2024 elections have reshaped the state’s political dynamics, setting the stage for a unique 2025 legislative session. Here’s a breakdown of the key outcomes and what they mean for governance, budget planning, and the next legislative session.
Governor’s Office and Senate Remain Unchanged
Governor Tim Walz will return from his vice-presidential bid to the Governor’s office to lead Minnesota for the remainder of his term. However, his administration will no longer have the DFL trifecta and now faces the challenge of navigating a tied Minnesota House of Representatives and a closely divided Senate (which remains narrowly controlled by the DFL with a 34-33 majority after winning a special election).
Minnesota House of Representatives: A Historic Tie
The most significant shake-up came in the Minnesota House. All 134 seats were on the ballot, and Republicans gained three—two open seats in Winona and the Iron Range and a DFL incumbent seat in Mankato. This has resulted in a rare 67-67 tie, a situation not seen since the 1978 elections.
What Happens in a Tied Legislature?
The last time the Minnesota House faced a tie, a power-sharing agreement was implemented. Republicans held the Speaker’s post, while DFLers led critical budget and tax committees. However, the arrangement proved chaotic, leading to political gamesmanship and even a special session.
House leaders—DFL leader Melissa Hortman and Republican leader Lisa Demuth—have expressed a desire to avoid the model used in 1979. Instead, they are exploring power-sharing strategies used in other states.
To date, they have agreed to a committee structure that will be equally divided and chaired by DFL and Republican co-chairs, but committee membership is not yet determined. The education committees are as follows:
- Education Finance: Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) and Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls)
- Education Policy: Sydney Jordan (DFL-Minneapolis) and (Rep. Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea)
- Children and Families Finance and Policy: (Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn(DFL-Eden Prairie) and Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine)
A tied House introduces significant uncertainty for the legislative process, and it will be interesting to see how this works out. As leaders and lawmakers prepare for 2025, all eyes will be on how the state navigates this unprecedented political landscape!
Budget Outlook and the 2025 Legislative Session
The 2025 legislative session begins on January 14, marking a critical budget-setting year. Lawmakers will focus on passing a biennial budget while navigating the complexities of a tied House and a narrowly divided Senate. Complicating matters further is a budget forecast that presents a mixed picture of the state’s financial outlook.
In the budget forecast released, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) anticipates a surplus for the FY26-27 biennium of $616 million, which far less than anticipated indicated a slowing economy. Additionally, the forecast showed a structural budget deficit in the FY27-28 biennium ranging from $3 billion to $5 billion.
The legislature and the Governor are only required to pass a budget for the next two years, but the deficit further out certainly will be on top of mind as budget decisions are made.
Reconnect with Returning Legislators and Build Relationships with New Ones
As the post-election dust settles, now is the perfect time to strengthen or establish connections with your legislators. Here are some effective ways to engage:
- Send a congratulatory note to your senators and representatives, whether they are returning or newly elected.
- Invite them to meet with you one-on-one in your district.
- Offer a tour of your school district to help them understand your community better.
- Invite them to speak at a school board meeting or work session and share their priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
These efforts help legislators learn more about your district, address key issues for your school community, and provide you the opportunity to hear their ideas for the next legislative session.
You can find contact information for returning legislators here. Newly elected legislators may not have their offices set up yet, so it is best to check their campaign websites or consult the Secretary of State’s office for their details.
Thank you for investing time in building these connections. They are an essential first step in effectively advocating for our priorities at the state capitol.