Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party representatives were sworn in ahead of the legislative session in a private ceremony, drawing outrage from Republicans.
The unprecedented swearing-in ceremony occurred at the Minnesota History Center and came ahead of their promise to boycott the legislative session until Republicans agree to a power-sharing agreement. Republicans argue that they can rule with a majority of 67-66 seats after successfully challenging the residency of a DFL representative. The DFL argues that Republicans can only govern with a majority of 68 seats and must thus wait until the special election for the vacant seat on Jan. 28.
The DFL is affiliated with the national Democratic Party, essentially rendering them Democrats. The party was formed in 1944 after the Minnesota Democrats merged with the Farmer-Labor Party.
The Minnesota House DFL undertook its private ceremony so new members would be “properly and legally sworn in” before the beginning of the legislative session on Tuesday, DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said, that party members have said they will not attend.
Republicans have decried the ceremony as illegitimate.
“It was shocking to hear that House Democrats held an unprecedented secret swearing-in ceremony behind closed doors, with no public notice,” Republican House designate Lisa Demuth told the Washington Examiner. “If the DFL believes what they’re doing is right, why not hold a public swearing-in? They didn’t even confirm it happened until House Republicans called out their actions after the fact.”
“House Republicans will show up on day one to get the work done for Minnesotans, whether Democrats decide to be there or not,” Demuth added. “Democrats can join us in showing up for work, or they can explain to Minnesotans why they’re getting paid to no-show.”
The DFL previously held a majority in the House until the November elections, when they lost three seats. Power-sharing negotiations were underway until December when a judge ruled in favor of the Republicans challenging a DFL representative’s residency, giving the Republicans a majority.
Democratic Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has sided with the DFL, arguing that a quorum of 68 seats is needed to constitute a majority. Republicans described his move as a “deeply flawed and dangerous course of action.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to Hortman for comment.
At a Monday news conference, Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Alex Plechash and lawyer Ryan Wilson announced that the party was collecting signatures for a petition to the Minnesota Supreme Court, demanding the Democrats show up to the beginning of the legislative session.
“We are committed to holding every legislator responsible,” Plechash said. “If you don’t show up for the job, you shouldn’t keep it.”
However, the process to review and put the petition into effect takes several months.
The state Senate is also split, with each party having 33 seats after the death of DFL state Sen. Kari Dziedzic to cancer in December. The Senate DFL has agreed to a power-sharing agreement with Republicans until the special election to fill her seat on Jan. 28.
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“The temporary 33-33 tie in the Senate posed unique challenges for the body and required a unique solution,” DFL Senate Leader Erin Murphy said, according to the Star Tribune.
“Under these terms, we can begin the work of 2025, avoid gridlock, and uphold the best of this institution,” she added.
