Overview
- Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (DFL) won SD 47 in Woodbury and Michael Holmstrom Jr. (R) won SD 29 west of the Twin Cities, restoring a 34-33 DFL Senate majority.
- The SD 47 race filled a seat vacated after Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s burglary conviction and resignation, while SD 29 replaced the late Sen. Bruce Anderson.
- Hemmingsen-Jaeger’s move to the Senate opens her House seat, and Rep. Kaohly Her’s victory for St. Paul mayor creates a second vacancy, leaving Republicans with 67 votes to Democrats’ 65 until replacements are seated.
- Gov. Tim Walz said the temporary House math undercuts prospects for a gun-policy special session, though Republicans note 68 votes are needed to pass bills.
- Walz set Dec. 16 primaries and Jan. 27 special elections for the two House seats, as lawmakers eye a February start to a session where cross-party support will be essential.