Legislative leaders in St. Paul on Thursday held their first meeting with Governor Tim Walz (DFL) since the election.
Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) says they need to do some fence-mending after Democrats had control of the Senate, House, and governor's office last session, something that will not be the case in 2025 thanks to an even split in the Minnesota House. Democrats still control the Senate and Governor's Office.
"A lot of trust, a lot of relationships are broken," says Johnson. "And so we're trying to figure out how do we move forward after that. We Republicans laid out a plan on how we'd like to see that happen and so it's really up to Democrats to see how we're going to work together."
Right now, the DFL has a one-seat majority in the State Senate but even that is on shaky ground depending on what happens with State Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL- Woodbury) who is still dealing with charges of burglary after breaking into her mother-in-laws home. She was arrested in April and has since pleaded not guilty.
Johnson notes that depending on what happens with Sen. Mitchell, there could be a period of time during the next session where there is a temporary tie in that body as well.
The meeting Thursday took place in the governor's reception room at the State Capitol. Johnson explained to Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News what the meeting was like, especially after the whirlwind tour of the country by Governor Walz who was the pick for Vice President by the Democrats under Kamala Harris. Of course they lost the Election to President-elect Donald Trump and Walz now returns to his duties running the State of Minnesota.
"It's like any other meeting where you go into business or you're meeting with friends, spend a little time catching up," Johnsons says. "We really hadn't seen each other, especially the governor as he's been around the country for the last few months. Getting to kind of catch up on the summer and what's going on. And so then we get down to kind of the agenda for the day."
Johnson does say there were a lot of hard feelings at the end of last year's session, and that they need to smooth things over to make sure the two sides can work together.
The session begins Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. This would be the first session in Minnesota since 1979 where the House is split evenly.
House Recount Update
DFL Representative Brad Tabke is declaring victory in House District 54A following a recount in Scott County on Thursday. Tabke's lead over Republican Aaron Paul increased by just one more vote according to results of the recount which show Tabke winning by 15 votes total in a very tight race.
Official results won't come until Monday since some ballots are still being challenged. Election officials are also investigating the loss of 21 physical absentee ballots.
“With the results of the hand recount completed, I’m glad to see our victory confirmed," Tabke said in a statement Friday claiming victory. "Over the last 15 days, many people in Scott County and Shakopee have worked hard to make sure every ballot was counted, and every voter’s voice was heard. I thank all of them for their work and dedication to keeping our elections fair and free. These results only affirm how committed I am to our incredible, diverse community. We will continue working together to make progress for Shakopee’s working families, seniors, and small businesses. The path ahead of us presents tremendous opportunities. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for your families and make this government work for everyone.”
A recount in Sherburne County gets underway Monday in the House District 14B race where DFL incumbent Dan Wolgamott leads Republican Sue Ek by just 28 votes.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon noted this week that the when races are that close, a recount is automatic.
"Everyone can show up," Simon explains. "You don't have to live in that place. You don't have to be a big shot or a VIP."
He also said it's open to anyone who wants to watch and that both parties will examine the paper ballots and if there are issues, they can be contested.