## Minnesota Political Landscape Shifts After Holiday Rush
A flurry of significant political events unfolded in Minnesota during the holiday season, leaving the state’s political landscape dramatically altered as 2025 began. The period between December 23rd and January 1st saw unexpected deaths, contentious elections, and the implementation of landmark legislation.
The passing of Senator Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, on December 27th, after a prolonged battle with cancer, cast a somber shadow over the political scene. A key figure in the DFL’s successful 2023 legislative session, Senator Dziedzic was known for her dedication and behind-the-scenes work ethic. A visitation will be held on January 2nd at the Kozlak-Radulovich Chapel in Minneapolis. Her death leaves the Minnesota Senate evenly divided at 33-33 between Democrats and Republicans as the legislative session commences on January 14th.
Governor Tim Walz swiftly called for a special election to fill Senator Dziedzic’s seat, granting prospective candidates a mere one-day filing window. Over a dozen individuals filed, with a significant majority representing the Democratic party, reflecting the district’s reliably Democratic leaning. A special primary election is scheduled for January 14th, coinciding with the start of the legislative session, followed by the special general election on January 28th.
Further complicating the already volatile political climate, a special election is also slated for January 28th to fill a vacant House seat in the Roseville area. This vacancy arose after a judge ruled that DFL candidate Curtis Johnson did not meet the residency requirements, a decision Johnson will not appeal.
These events will significantly impact the balance of power in the Minnesota Legislature. Upon the session’s commencement, Republicans will hold a temporary one-seat majority in the House (67-66), allowing them to leverage this advantage to elect a House Speaker and committee chairs before the special election results are known. Representative Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, is the frontrunner for the speakership. Even if the special election results in a tie, her removal would require 68 votes, making her position relatively secure, provided she maintains Republican party unity. While Republicans won’t be able to pass legislation independently, this temporary majority grants them considerable control over the legislative process.
Adding another layer of complexity, Democrats in House District 40B endorsed David Gottfried, a pro bono attorney, on New Year’s Day. While his residency is being scrutinized, his candidacy adds to the ongoing political maneuvering.
Beyond the legislative battles, significant developments unfolded in Minneapolis. The city reached a tentative agreement with the Department of Justice regarding police reforms, requiring City Council approval of a federal consent decree. This agreement follows a Department of Justice investigation that found the Minneapolis Police Department engaged in excessive force, unlawful discrimination, and violations of free speech rights.
In another significant development, former Minneapolis police union leader Bob Kroll is reportedly seeking President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination for the position of U.S. Marshal for Minnesota. This bid comes despite Kroll being banned from law enforcement in three populous counties due to a federal civil settlement.
Finally, a wave of new state laws took effect, including the first phase of a ban on PFAS (“forever chemicals”). Dubbed “Amara’s Law,” this legislation, named after a young woman who died from a rare liver cancer linked to PFAS exposure, prohibits the use of these chemicals in various products starting in 2025, mandates disclosure of their use, and bans them in firefighting foam (with exceptions).
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