Minnesota politics remains active as ever at the start of the new year. Following the 2024 elections, the Minnesota House was tied at 67-67, and the Senate had a narrow DFL majority at 34-33. Recent events have led to special elections for both bodies.

Former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic passed away at age 62 after battling cancer. Representing northeast Minneapolis, Dziedzic was respected across party lines. Her death creates a 33-33 Senate split, and Governor Walz has called a special election for January 28.

In the House, a judge ruled that DFL candidate Curtis Johnson from District 40B did not meet residency requirements, creating a vacancy. Governor Walz has called a special election for January 28, giving Republicans a temporary 67-66 majority.

Before the ruling, Speaker Melissa Hortman and Republican Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth had agreed to co-lead the House. With Republicans temporarily holding a majority, speculation surrounds their early moves in the session.

Two other cases are under watch: a Scott County judge is yet to rule on the missing 20 ballots in District 54A, and Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL) faces a felony burglary trial, with settlement talks underway. The next hearing date is set for January 14 with a tentative trial date of January 27.

Additionally, new laws, effective January 1, include bans on mandatory restaurant fees, ticket transparency, and changes in insurance and employment laws. Here is a list of the new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2025.