Special election in Roseville-Shoreview district will decide control of Minnesota House
Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate David Gottfried and GOP candidate Paul Wikstrom are vying for a vacant seat in House District 40B, which includes Roseville and Shoreview.
Republicans have had a one-seat advantage in the House since the legislative session started in January.
While the November election delivered a 67-67 tie, Curtis Johnson, the DFLer who won in District 40B, didn't take the seat after Wikstrom successfully challenged his residency in court.
That gave the GOP a one-seat majority, though the threshold to pass bills is 68, meaning they can't pass bills without DFL support. Under a power-sharing agreement that ended a weeks-long DFL boycott of the legislative session, Republicans are currently in control of the speakership and committees.
If Gottfried wins, a 67-67 tie returns to the House, and the parties are set to enter a power-sharing agreement where they'll split control of committees. Republicans will keep control of the speakership and a new committee they created aimed at addressing fraud in state government.
District 40B, which includes parts of Roseville and Shoreview, strongly leans Democratic. In the November election, Curtis Johnson won 65% of the vote in the district compared to Republican opponent Paul Wikstrom's 35%.
Both candidates live in Shoreview.
Gottfried, who works at a law firm helping low income clients access legal services, said his top issues include lowering the cost of prescription drugs, defending paid family and medical leave and boosting funding for education.
Wikstrom, who has a background in engineering, is campaigning on fighting fraud and waste in state government and boosting public safety.
Republicans have had a one-seat edge for a little longer than originally expected. In late December, Gov. Tim Walz had called for the special election to happen on Jan. 28, but the state Supreme Court said that was too soon.
The special election's winner could be seated as soon as next Monday.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 8 p.m. Check back for results on twincities.com.
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