Democrats are projected to win special elections in two Minnesota House districts, restoring a 67-67 partisan tie in the state’s lower chamber, according to Decision Desk HQ and local results.
Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidates Shelley Buck and Meg Luger-Nikolai emerged victorious Tuesday in special elections for House Districts 47A and 64A. Buck ran uncontested in District 47A, which includes parts of Maplewood and Woodbury east of St. Paul, while Luger-Nikolai won in District 64A, entirely within St. Paul.
The results mean the Minnesota House will operate under the same power-sharing agreement adopted during the 2025 session, with Republicans and Democrats evenly divided. Under that arrangement, Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth remains House speaker while most committees are co-chaired by members of both parties.
The special elections took place amid heightened political tensions in the state following recent shootings involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, which have drawn intense scrutiny and protest.
“With Representative-elect Buck and Luger-Nikolai’s victories, Minnesotans now have two more Democratic champions who will fight to lower costs, protect health care, and protect our community from federal overreach and violence,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin in a statement lauding the wins.
House District 47A was vacant after Democratic Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger resigned to join the Minnesota Senate, and 64A was open following the resignation of Kaohly Her after her election as St. Paul mayor.
