Minnesota primary sets stage for a chance to flip control of state government

On August 13, Minnesotans head to the polls for a primary race to determine who will be on the ballots come November 5.

Minnesota currently has a state government known as a “trifecta” meaning one party – the DFL – controls both legislative houses as well as the governorship.

For the Democrats, the trifecta makes it much easier to pass legislation. Since winning the majorities back in 2022, a slew of legislation has been passed – such as codifying abortion rights, tax credits for low-income parents, and legalization of cannabis.

Many Republicans are not pleased with this single party control. One Republican candidate told WDIO in an interview that lack of party balance in state government was what inspired him decide to run.

This could change in November, with control for both the house and senate up for grabs.

Currently, the DFL holds a four-seat majority in the house – 68 to 64 – with two seats currently vacant. Come November, all 134 seats are up for grabs.

In the Senate, things are much closer. In the 2022 election, the DFL held only a one seat majority in the chamber, 34 to 33. But back in June, district 45’s DFL Senator Kelly Morrison stepped down in order to make a run for the US House of Representatives, leaving a vacancy in the state senate.

In November, a special election will be held to fill this vacancy. Whoever wins this seat will hand majority control of the senate to their party, as it’s currently the only state senate seat up for election in November. The next race for state senators isn’t until 2026.

District 45 comprises southwestern Hennepin County. In the primary race, three democrats are vying for the spot, the winner of which will face Republican Kathleen Fowke for the senate seat. Fowke ran against Kelly Morrison for the seat in 2022, losing by about 12%.

Election results for the Minnesota and Wisconsin Primaries can be found here.