Governor Walz Calls Special Elections for Two House Seats

Governor Tim Walz has announced the issuance of writs for special elections to fill two vacant House seats in Minnesota. This decision follows the recent victories of two former representatives in the November 4 elections. Rep. Kaohly Vang Her has left her position in House seat 64A to take on the role of Mayor of St. Paul, while Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger vacates House seat 47A to represent Woodbury in the Senate, succeeding former Senator Nicole Mitchell.

The special primary election is scheduled for December 16, 2023, with the general elections to take place on January 27, 2024. The two districts, which have historically leaned Democratic, are expected to continue this trend. In the last election, Her secured her seat with an impressive 83% of the vote, and Hemmingsen-Jaeger won hers with 61%.

These vacancies have adjusted the House’s current composition, which now consists of 67 Republicans and 65 Democrats, a shift from its previous tie. The Minnesota Senate maintains a narrow majority for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party, with a count of 34-33. Should the DFL secure victories in both special elections, this would restore a tie in the House, while a single win for the Republicans would grant them a majority.

In response to the upcoming elections, House DFL Leader Rep. Zack Stephenson stated in a news release that the DFL is confident the elections will not alter the current balance of power in the House. “House DFLers believe these special elections will not change the makeup of the House,” he remarked. “We are as committed as ever to maintaining the balance that Minnesotans voted for a year ago. The results of these elections will, again, determine the balance of the House.”

Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions are to be submitted between November 18 and 5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2023. This period will allow potential candidates to officially declare their intention to run, setting the stage for a competitive electoral process. As the state gears up for these elections, the focus remains on ensuring that the forthcoming representatives align with the priorities of their constituents.