Minnesota Senate GOP, DFL reach power-sharing agreement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Senate GOP and DFL have reached a power-sharing agreement as it is left tied 33-33 due to a vacant seat in District 60. 

Minnesota Senate power-sharing agreement

What we know:

Leaders from the DFL and Republicans have announced they reached an agreement to still get work done in the senate during the temporary tie of 33-33. 

The tie comes after Sen. Kari Dziedzic died of cancer on Dec. 27, leaving the District 60 seat empty. 

A special election will be held on Jan. 28 to fill the seat. Whichever party wins that election will have the senate majority.

What does the power-sharing agreement include? 

Dig deeper:

According to the leaders of both parties, each caucus leader will appoint a co-presiding officer.

Each committee will have joint chairs, with gavel sharing determined by the chairs. There will also be equal representation of DFL and Republican members on committees. 

No changes will be made to senate rules through 2025, per the agreement. 

The agreement will remain in place until there are 34 votes to end it. The agreement will be passed as a resolution on the first day of the 2025 session. 

What they're saying:

"The loss of our colleague and friend Kari Dziedzic was profound for her district, the Senate, and the people of Minnesota," said DFL Caucus Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul). "The temporary 33-33 tie in the Senate posed unique challenges for the body and required a unique solution. I want to thank Senator Johnson, DFL and Republican leaders, and our dedicated staff for tireless efforts to create a temporary organizing structure that will be fair to both caucuses and productive for the people of Minnesota. Under these terms, we can begin the work of 2025, avoid gridlock, and uphold the best of this institution."

"Starting the 2025 session with a 33-33 tie means we all have an opportunity to build trust and respect as we navigate these circumstances," said Republican Caucus Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks). "I want to thank Sen. Murphy and both caucuses for their work to recognize a balanced Senate structure that not only reflects the makeup of the Senate, it honors the collaborative and bipartisan work that Minnesotans expect of their legislature. We all bring something to the table, and we can work productively under this temporary organization with an orderly start to session."

Power struggle in Minnesota House

Big picture view:

There is a power struggle in the Minnesota House as Republicans have a 67-66 lead, but need 68 votes to conduct business. Republicans say they intend to seize control of the House power structure with their slight majority, while Democrats threaten not to show up on the first day of the session, keeping Republicans from doing any legislative business. 

Democrats are expected to win a special election in an east Twin Cities metro district, which would leave the House in a 67-67 tie. 

READ MORE: Political standoff could stall Minnesota legislative session