Minnesota GOP and Voters Alliance Petition Supreme Court Over Governor Walz’s Actions in 40B Special Election

(KNSI) — The Republican Party of Minnesota and the Minnesota Voters Alliance filed a petition with the Minnesota Supreme Court to stop what they call “the unlawful actions of Governor Tim Walz related to the House District 40B special election.”

The petition requests that the Minnesota Supreme Court require Governor Walz, Secretary of State Steve Simon, and Ramsey County election officials to comply with Minnesota election laws, specifically regarding the timing requirements for special elections.” Per a statement from GOP Chair Alex Plechash, “The attempt by Governor Walz to call a special election for a vacancy that has not yet occurred…is a flagrant violation of Minnesota election law.”

According to election law, the GOP says a special election can’t be held until the legislature has been in session for 22 days. The next session starts January 14th, which is when Walz called a primary for the seat, if it were needed. According to the writ issued on December 27th, Walz called the general election to be held on January 28th, which is only 14 days after the session starts.

Walz says the lawsuit is the GOP trying to use the courts to keep Democratic legislators from taking office.

The Minnesota DFL also issued a statement, calling it an illegitimate power grab. “On the anniversary of January 6, we will not entertain any pearl clutching from Minnesota Republicans,” said Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin. “Despite failing to win a majority and losing the popular vote for House, Minnesota Republicans have stopped at nothing to try to override the will of the voters to seize power. House Republicans have even suggested they will refuse to seat a duly elected DFL legislator – the height of an abuse of power. Republicans should honor the power sharing agreement and drop their efforts to deny representation to voters in DFL districts. We will not stand by and allow their attempts at illegitimate power grabs to go unanswered.”

The special election is needed to fill the seat currently held by Democratic Representative Jamie Becker-Finn, who did not run for reelection. It was won by Democrat Curtis Johnson, who was later found to be ineligible to take the seat due to his not fulfilling residency requirements.

___