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Dear Neighbor,
As we begin this legislative session, we find ourselves in an unprecedented moment for our state. Following the election of an evenly divided House, with 67 Democratic and 67 Republican representatives, Minnesotans sent a clear message: they want us to work together to solve problems and move our state forward. For two months, Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House agreed on that premise and negotiated a power-sharing agreement. Unfortunately, Republicans decided to walk away from negotiations and are instead engaging in an illegitimate power grab.
This includes plans to use a temporary one-seat advantage created by a temporary vacancy in a safe DFL seat to unseat Rep. Brad Tabke, the duly elected representative from Shakopee. Rep. Brad Tabke’s victory in 54A was upheld on election night, in a recount, and by a district court judge. It would be outrageous not to seat a member who won an election and the first of its kind of abuse of power in Minnesota’s history.
In short: they are trying to use a three-week, one-seat advantage to claim a two-year majority the voters did not give them. Let me be clear: this is an anti-democratic act that ignores the will of the voters and undermines our state constitution and laws.
My DFL colleagues and I are committed to standing against these actions, and as a result, we had no other choice but to deny quorum on the first day of session, a decision we nevertheless do not take lightly. The Minnesota Constitution and state law make clear that a 68-member quorum is required to conduct House business. Republicans only have 67 members. By denying quorum, Democrats are protecting the will of the voters.
Despite Secretary of State Steve Simon declaring a lack of a quorum, and therefore an inability for the House to conduct business, Republicans moved forward as if it was business as usual. Their illegitimate proceedings included a sham election for House Speaker. I’ve already joined other House DFL leaders in bringing legal action to stop these unlawful and unconstitutional actions.
Democrats want to govern with Republicans under shared power as voters intended. As the House DFL Leader, I offered a reasonable compromise to Leader Demuth that would have Republicans control the Minnesota House for the next three weeks while they have a one-seat advantage until after the outcome of a January 28th special election in a safe DFL district, at which point the Minnesota House would operate under the power-sharing agreement negotiated over the past 60 days. Republicans refused.
The only way to respect the will of the voters is to seat all duly elected members and to share power equally.
I remain dedicated to working for our community and building a future where everyone can get ahead, not just the rich and powerful. I’ll be busy in the district meeting with constituents, meeting with local officials, participating in tours, and more.
While this is a difficult moment, I remain hopeful. Minnesotans have faced challenges before, and time and again, we’ve proven that by working together, we can overcome them. I look forward to the day when we can return to the Capitol with a renewed focus on collaboration and progress. But to get there, we need Republicans to end their illegitimate power grab, commit to seating duly elected members, and return to the negotiating table.
Thank you for your input and engagement.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman
State Representative
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