Minnesota House Resumes Session After Three-Week Stalemate

The Minnesota House of Representatives has officially convened after a prolonged standoff, thanks to a newly reached power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans. This agreement ends a boycott by House Democrats, who sought to force Republicans to honor a prior power-sharing framework following a tied election that resulted in a temporary GOP majority. Republican Lisa Demuth has been elected as the first person of color to serve as Speaker of the House, with her role coming with certain checks on her power, including shared decision-making on major legislative matters. Both parties will co-chair most committees, although Republicans will maintain a majority on the new anti-fraud committee. The arrangement is seen as a way to restore legislative functionality and promote bipartisan collaboration, especially in light of an upcoming special election that could return the chamber to a tie. Leaders from both parties expressed hopes for a more cooperative governing approach moving forward.