2024 Election Analysis 

The results of the 2024 election were clear: voters demand change. The front and center issues—the economy and kitchen table—are not surprising. Voters have been squeezed by higher costs for everything, while businesses have faced the same inflationary pressure, as well as an onslaught of new regulations. Greater Mankato Growth advocated for business issues during the campaign season, hoping that officials would work to improve the business climate in Minnesota. Restoring balance in St. Paul is the first step for our state to reframe us as a great place to start and operate a business.  

An extraordinary result of the election is a 67:67 tie in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Democrats will continue to hold a narrow majority of one seat in the Minnesota Senate. Out of 201 legislators, there are 101 Democrats and 100 Republicans. 

On November 5, a total of 3,146,727 voters cast a ballot in one of the eight congressional districts in Minnesota. All Democratic candidates received a combined total of 1,579,724 votes, while Republican candidates received a combined total of 1,550,485 votes. This is a difference of just 29,239 votes, or 0.93%.  

Additionally, looking at the Minnesota House of Representatives, there were 3,090,470 votes cast. All Democratic candidates received a combined total of 1,545,206 votes. Republican candidates received a combined total of 1,530,791 votes. This is a difference of just 14,415 votes, or 0.47%. 

Our state is much more evenly split than most would think. 

As the 94th Legislative session draws near, the legislature has a singular objective: to pass a biennial budget. This will be no easy task. In the House, with a 67:67 tie, the two caucuses will need to agree on how to divide up power. There can only be one Speaker of the House. However, the caucuses could designate certain committee chairs to one of the two caucuses or create a co-chair model. Neither caucus will want to give up more than they have to. Republicans will be emboldened to push hard against Democrats after a resounding electoral result, and after being largely ignored for the past two years of the trifecta.  

The Minnesota House has only had a tie one other time, in 1979. There are no legislators in office today who were in office at that time. There were 44 new legislators elected in 2022; those new members will join 22 of their newest colleagues elected in 2024 to govern in an environment that is virtually unprecedented. 

Only bipartisan bills will make it to the floor for consideration. The process for floor amendments could also be significantly blunted. If controversial amendments are adopted, it could put passage of the entire bill in jeopardy. 

What does this mean for businesses? 

After two years of a trifecta, higher taxes, more regulation, and a badly bruised business climate, Greater Mankato Growth and other like-minded organizations will not only be in a position to stop new regulations and taxes, but potentially chip away at some of the things passed in the past two years.  

The issues for the business community are clear: we must improve Minnesota’s tax competitiveness and business climate, as well as reduce the regulatory burden especially costly new workplace mandates.  

Greater Mankato Growth is the 5th largest chamber of commerce in the state of Minnesota. We have a voice and we have influence at the Capitol. We will urge lawmakers to restore balance and pass legislation that will unleash the economic potential of our region and state.  

For more information, or to share your thoughts on what the legislature should focus on in the upcoming session, reach out to آندي ويلك, Executive Vice President at Greater Mankato Growth.