Minnesota House Power Sharing Agreement to Kick in Next Week

(KNSI) — With the election of David Gottfried to the open seat in House District 40B, the Minnesota House of Representatives is set to shift from a 67-66 Republican majority to a 67-67 tie, implementing a previously negotiated power-sharing agreement for the remainder of the 2025-2026 session.

Starting next week, all House committees will be co-chaired by both Democrats and Republicans, with equal representation from each party. The exception is the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, which will continue to have a Republican chair and a 5-3 Republican majority. House DFL leadership said their committee co-chairs will use their role to address economic issues affecting Minnesotans and propose policy solutions in response.

“Beginning next week, our committee co-chairs will hold hearings focused on key issues such as affordability and economic stability,” said Representative Melissa Hortman. “Minnesotans want policies that create opportunities for financial security and growth. We look forward to working with our Republican colleagues to advance solutions that benefit all Minnesotans.”

House committees will rotate leadership responsibilities, with Democratic and Republican co-chairs setting agendas and selecting bills for review. Republican Representative Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring will remain as speaker.

The seat was open after it was discovered following the November election, the representative chosen to fill that seat failed to meet residency requirements, allowing it to become vacant again.

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