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Chaos reigns in half-empty Minnesota House
Chaos reigned over the House on the first day of the Minnesota legislative session – with Democrats not showing up in an effort to prevent a quorum, and Republicans assuming power and pushing forward. FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard has the latest developments.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota appears to be in a constitutional crisis on day one of the legislative session.
Constitutional crisis
What we know:
The war over control of the House saw its first air strikes on Tuesday, with Democrats staying away and Republicans seizing control.
A half empty House greeted Secretary of State Steve Simon as he launched the 2025 session.
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Chaotic Day 1 recap at Minnesota Legislature
It was a wild start to the legislative session at the Minnesota House of Representatives, with both political parties at odds with who is in charge. FOX 9’s Mike Manzoni recaps day one.
But after a roll call, Simon said there weren’t enough members to do any business.
"There being 67 members present, there is no quorum as required by the Constitution of the state of Minnesota," the Secretary of State said. "The House may not conduct any further business and the House of Representatives is adjourned."
"The House is not adjourned," interjected Rep. Harry Niska, (R-Ramsey). "You do not have authority over the House of Representatives."
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MN House Republicans override Simon, declare a quorum [RAW]
After Secretary of State Steve Simon sent the House into recess after saying there wasn't a quorum presence, the 67 Republicans present moved to remove Simon and instate Paul Anderson to take the roster. Anderson then declared there was a quorum, and Republicans voted Simon's adjournment out of order. Republicans proceeded with business, with no Democrats in the chamber. Democrats had made good on their promise not to show up on the first day of the Minnesota Legislature.
‘Attempted coup’
Dig deeper:
As Simon walked away, Republicans took over and ran the day’s session as if nothing had happened.
They cast a unanimous vote for Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) as Speaker of the House, which would make her the state’s first person of color in the role.
The DFL caucus watched it happen from 30 miles away.
"What we saw today was an attempted coup," said Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis).
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DFL leaders explain absence from MN House
Saying they are protecting the "will of the voters," leaders with Minnesota’s Democratic party explain why they were absent from the House of Representatives on Tuesday during the start of Minnesota’s legislative session.
Dozens of members made Shakopee headquarters for the day.
They called the Republican session a sham, but they recognize people across the state may have strong feelings when they see video of their empty seats.
"I would imagine that Minnesotans are irritated with both of us," said Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park). "I would imagine that they're irritated with us for not being there. And I would imagine they're irritated with Republicans for wanting to throw out a duly elected member, especially on the day that the courts ruled that he clearly won."
Room for agreement?
Big picture view:
Democrats have offered to give Republicans majority control until they’re no longer a majority, likely in February, instead of for a full two years.
Republicans say every offer they’ve heard is unreasonable.
"What we are offering is to come in," said Rep. Demuth. "I am the Speaker of the House, and we look forward to working with them over the next two years in a reasonable way."
What's next:
Republicans say they intend to come every day and go about House business.
Democrats started their day in Shakopee with a judge ruling in favor of Rep. Brad Tabke.
Despite the ruling, Republicans are still threatening to vote not to seat Rep. Tabke.
Democrats will now go to the Supreme Court to stop Republicans from blocking Rep. Tabke and from ruling the House while they’re not around.
They’re hoping a ruling could come within a couple of weeks.