DFL retakes majority in State Senate after special election victory

Voters in Minneapolis headed to the polls Tuesday for a special election in the state Senate following the death of Kari Dziedzic, who passed away in December, and represented the Senate’s 60th district.

Doron Clark (DFL) defeated Republican Abigail Wolters by over 7,000 votes — 7,783 to 746. There were also 32 write-in votes cast during the election.

The race’s outcome determines the balance of power in the Senate, which was tied at 33 apiece for the GOP and DFL, but will now lean in the Democrat’s favor. District 60 encompasses all of northeast and southeast Minneapolis and the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood on the opposite side of the Mississippi River.

DFL Caucus Leader Erin Murphy released the following statement after Clark’s victory:

“I am excited that the people of Senate District 60 have elected Doron Clark to be their voice in the State Senate. We welcome him to this institution and into the work for the people of Minnesota.  His election will restore the DFL majority that has accomplished so much for our state these past two years. Senator-elect Clark is a talented and accomplished leader who understands his district well. During this difficult time, for the Minnesota Senate and the people living in Senate District 60, we’ve been guided by the example of brilliant leadership set by the late Senator Dziedzic. With Senator-elect Clark, we are committed to bringing the light of her legacy to bear on our work for Minnesotans across the state.”

The district has historically been blue, and no Republican has ever won more than 20% of the vote. Clark, however, will have lots to catch up on, as the legislative session is already three weeks in.