## Minnesota House Republicans Sue to Force Democratic Return
A political stalemate in the Minnesota House of Representatives escalated on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as House Republicans filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court. The lawsuit seeks to compel the boycotting Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) members to return to the Capitol, proposing fines as a means of enforcement.
This action follows over two weeks of deliberate absences by House Democrats, beginning January 14th. Their strategy aims to prevent Republicans from achieving a quorum and thus controlling the legislative chamber. Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that 68 members are needed for a quorum, a threshold Republicans have been unable to meet.
In the absence of a Speaker, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, has presided over the House. He has consistently declared a lack of quorum and adjourned the sessions each day this week. Republicans have attempted to introduce a motion to address the Democrats’ absence, but Secretary Simon has refused to recognize the motion, effectively silencing Republican voices according to House rules.
Representative Harry Niska (R-Ramsey) argues that Secretary Simon’s actions exceed his authority as presiding officer. The lawsuit, therefore, aims to compel Simon to recognize the Republican motion. The proposed penalties for absent Democrats include fines equivalent to their daily salaries and the revocation of their per diem allowances for the entire 2025-2026 legislative session.
“Secretary Simon is illegally obstructing our ability to compel absent members as specifically stated in the constitution,” stated Representative Niska. “Because he refuses to allow a motion on the House floor to hold Democrats accountable, we are taking legal action to make sure it happens. Democrats are obstructing House business, and it needs to stop.” Niska accused Simon of partisan politics, noting that House Republicans are funding the lawsuit privately, unlike a previous Supreme Court case, and are using Niska’s law firm for representation.
A spokesperson for Secretary Simon’s office declined to comment on the pending litigation, stating only that Simon’s position remains that “absent a quorum and an organized House of Representatives, the only item in order is adjournment.”
This legal action represents the latest escalation in the ongoing power struggle within the Minnesota House, currently composed of 67 Republicans and 66 Democrats. Negotiations to resolve the impasse have broken down, with both parties entrenched in their positions. House Democrats demand written assurances that Republicans will not attempt to unseat Representative Brad Tabke, a Democrat whose reelection victory was narrowly secured amidst irregularities. Republicans, in contrast, seek to elect a Speaker and control House committees for the next two years, even anticipating a potential 67-67 tie following an upcoming special election.
The lack of communication between Republican Leader Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman further underscores the deepening divide. While Hortman claims she attempted negotiations, Demuth denies any such contact. The fate of Representative Tabke’s seat remains a central point of contention, with Democrats fearing Republican attempts to challenge his election despite a judge’s advisory opinion upholding his victory.
By Michelle Griffith, Minnesota Reformer, January 30, 2025
(Note: The appended material about the Minnesota Reformer, its licensing, and author bio has been omitted from this rewritten piece as it’s not part of the news report itself. It can be easily re-added if desired.)