A Minnesota court ruling has shifted the state’s political landscape, barring a Democratic lawmaker-elect from taking office due to residency issues and potentially handing Republicans control of the House.
At a Glance
- Curtis Johnson, a DFL candidate, ruled ineligible for Minnesota House seat
- Judge found Johnson failed to meet state residency requirements
- Ruling gives Republicans a temporary one-vote edge in the House
- DFL plans to appeal the decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court
- Special election likely if seat remains vacant after January 14
Court Ruling Alters House Dynamics
In a surprising turn of events, Ramsey County District Judge Leonardo Castro has ruled that Curtis Johnson, a Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidate, is ineligible to be sworn in as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. The decision comes after Johnson’s Republican challenger, Paul Wikstrom, successfully contested the election results, providing evidence that Johnson did not meet the state’s mandatory residency requirements.
The ruling has significant implications for the balance of power in the Minnesota House, which was previously deadlocked at 67-67 between Republicans and Democrats. With Johnson’s disqualification, Republicans now hold a slim 67-66 majority, granting them the ability to select the Speaker and make crucial operational decisions.
The Republican Party will temporarily have the majority in the Minnesota House after a judge ruled that the winner of the District 40B race didn't live in the district.https://t.co/U0cWJXe7OA
— KNSI News (@KNSI) December 20, 2024
Residency Requirements at the Center of Controversy
The Minnesota Constitution stipulates that candidates must reside in the state for one year and in the district they seek to represent for six months prior to the election. Judge Castro’s ruling found that Johnson failed to meet these requirements, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his candidacy.
“The credibility of Mr. Johnson’s testimony about his physical presence in the apartment was significantly undermined by his demeanor, the photos and videos presented by the contestant and his own reluctance to commit to any more than minimal, vague amounts of time spent at the apartment,” Castro said.
Wikstrom’s campaign had meticulously monitored Johnson’s claimed residence, gathering evidence to support their contention that he did not actually live in the district as required. This vigilance ultimately proved decisive in the court’s ruling.
Political Fallout and Next Steps
The decision has been met with divergent responses from both parties. House Republican Leader Lisa Demuth celebrated the ruling, stating, “I applaud the court’s decision to grant the election contest and look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B during the upcoming legislative session. This is a clear reminder that laws matter, and integrity in the election process is non-negotiable.”
Meanwhile, current House Speaker Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, announced plans to appeal the decision. “The court erred as a matter of law in not dismissing this case. A residency issue must be resolved before an election and is not an appropriate basis for an election contest,” Hortman argued.
As the situation unfolds, several scenarios are possible. Johnson may appeal the ruling to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which has not yet intervened. If the seat remains vacant, a special election will likely be called after the Legislature convenes on January 14. The outcome of this legal battle and potential special election will have significant implications for Minnesota’s legislative agenda and the balance of power in the state government.