A judge in Minnesota ruled on Friday that a Democrat state representative-elect “did not meet the residence requirements” to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
District Court Judge Leonardo Castro issued an order saying DFL legislator-elect Curtis Johnson “is enjoined from taking the oath of office” as a member of the Minnesota House.
According to Alpha News, Republican legislative candidate Paul Wikstrum filed a lawsuit last month alleging Johnson “never established residency in House District 40B.”
If Johnson isn’t seated, Republicans would, at least temporarily, gain a one-seat majority in the legislative chamber.
BREAKING: A judge rules that MN Democrat Curtis Johnson “did not meet the residency requirements and is not eligible to serve as the representative for Minnesota House District 40B.”
The case has huge implications for the tied 67-67 Minnesota House.
Story to come. pic.twitter.com/zy9cLy8eBh
— Anthony Gockowski (@AntGockowski) December 20, 2024
A closer look:
* Images from Alpha News Editor Anthony Gockowski X Post *
Per Alpha News:
The judge’s order comes as the incoming House of Representatives is tied at 67-67 among Republican and Democrat members. If Johnson isn’t seated, then Republicans will, at least temporarily, have a one-seat majority in the Minnesota House, which would be enough to elect a speaker. A special election would then be called to fill the vacant seat.
On Nov. 5, Johnson defeated Wikstrum in the House District 40B race to represent Roseville and Shoreview in the House.
The parties met for an evidentiary hearing that lasted through the weekend earlier this month, where Wikstrum presented evidence that Johnson actually lived at his home outside the district in Little Canada, and not at an apartment he was leasing in Roseville.
“Contestee, Curtis Johnson, did not meet the residence requirements and is not eligible to serve as the representative for Minnesota House District 40B,” Judge Castro wrote in his order. “Curtis Johnson is enjoined from taking the oath of office and from acting as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for House District 40B.”
Republicans just won temporary control of the MN State House. They now have a one seat majority. This is HUGE! https://t.co/SOqLfnW6lZ
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 20, 2024
BREAKING: Judge finds DFL legislator-elect is not a resident of his district, ‘not eligible to serve’ in House
If Johnson isn’t seated, then Republicans will, at least temporarily, have a one-seat majority in the Minnesota House, which would be enough to elect a speaker. pic.twitter.com/vbJ3LE1c3C
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) December 20, 2024
Minnesota Reformer reports:
Johnson, who did not immediately respond to the Reformer’s request for comment, could appeal the decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court.
ADVERTISEMENTFor now, House Republicans will have a one seat majority, 67-66. House District 40B, which Johnson won by 30 points last month, is a safe DFL seat, and will likely wind up in DFL hands after a special election, but that won’t take place for some time.
Republicans will likely capitalize on their temporary majority before a special election in 40B to elect a House speaker and committee chairs.
Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, who led Republicans to their new majority, is the likely speaker of the House, though a Supreme Court reversal of Castro’s ruling is still possible.
There’s very little precedent for a change of speakership in the middle of a legislative session, but because 68 votes would be required to vacate the speakership, Demuth would likely remain speaker even after a special election pulls the chamber into a tie, so long as she can keep Republicans in line.
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.
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