Minnesota House Leaders Reach Agreement, Ending Legislative Stalemate

Minnesota House leadership has reached a power-sharing agreement to organize the chamber following a nearly four-week standoff caused by a DFL boycott. The deal, announced just before the scheduled organization on Thursday, comes after closed-door negotiations between House leaders from both parties. The DFL's boycott was aimed at preventing Republicans from taking advantage of their one-seat majority amid a contested House seat, with a special election set for March 11 that could result in a tie. The Minnesota Supreme Court recently reaffirmed that a quorum requires 68 members, complicating proceedings as Republicans sought to manage the situation amid ongoing legal disputes. Democrats sought guarantees regarding joint control if the House becomes tied and assurances regarding the status of DFL Rep. Brad Tabke, who won a narrow election. Lawmakers face a tight timeline to finalize a two-year budget and other legislative priorities within the remaining months of the session.