Minnesota Republicans have filed a lawsuit against Governor Tim Walz after the Governor called a special election where the DFL candidate was recently ruled ineligible over residency requirements. Republicans are now asking the State Supreme Court to halt that election which is scheduled for January 28.
State Party Chair Alex Plechash telling WCCO 's Blois Olson on the Sunday Take that Walz broke state law in doing so.
"Governor Walz has, you know, called a special election for a vacancy that has not yet occurred," claims Plechash. "And to issue a writ that, on its face, violates the law by depriving residents of the statutory notice period, that's a flagrant violation of Minnesota election law."
Walz defended his actions in a statement saying that "state law requires the governor to call a special election as soon as possible" Walz says. "Republicans are trying to use the courts to prevent democratic legislators from being seated.”
The lawsuit comes after a judge granted Republican candidate Paul Wikstrom’s contest of the results of the House race after finding his Democratic opponent, Curtis Johnson, did not establish residency in District 40B. Johnson won the race by over 30 points in the heavily Democratic district.
"Democrats in my view, have supported a candidate they knew to be ineligible for the seat, and now they seek to cover it up," Plechash says. "Then that, in their past unlawful actions, calling for an unlawful and hastily scheduled special election. So we're pursuing all legal avenues to challenge this blatant disregard for election integrity."
The seat is just one of four issues with state lawmakers heading into the legislative session. The Minnesota Senate remains tied and a special election is also scheduled for January 28 following the death of DFL Senator Kari Dziedzic who was battling ovarian cancer.
A contested race in Scott County is still waiting for resolution. A judge has yet to rule on that case after Republican challenger Aaron Paul and the House GOP filed a lawsuit saying elections officials engaged in “deliberate, serious and material violations” of state election law when they declared incumbent Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL) the winner by 14 votes.
Finally, a trial for State Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL- Woodbury) is also likely begin the last week of January which may have further consequences on the legislature. Both Republicans and Democrats have said Mitchell should step aside and resign her seat in the Senate including Governor Walz.