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- Democrats have secured control of the Minnesota Senate, gaining a trifecta in state government.
- This marks the first Democratic trifecta in Minnesota since 2014.
- The slim majority will enable Democrats to push through policies previously stalled.
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Quick Brief
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Essential Context
In the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats won control of both the Minnesota House and Senate, along with retaining the governor’s office. This trifecta gives Democrats full control over state government, a situation that last occurred in 2014.
Core Players
- Melisa López Franzen – Former Democratic leader in the Minnesota Senate
- Erin Murphy – Led the campaign arm for the Senate DFL
- Tim Walz – Governor of Minnesota, entering his second term
- Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party
Key Numbers
- 34-33: Current Senate split in favor of Democrats
- 70-64: Current House split in favor of Democrats
- 2012: Year Melisa López Franzen joined the Senate
- 2014: Last year Democrats had a trifecta in Minnesota
- 69: Number of pro-choice votes in the House, according to House Speaker Melissa Hortman
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The Catalyst
The election marked a significant shift in Minnesota’s political landscape, with Democrats overcoming a long period of divided government to gain full control.
“I joined the Senate in 2012 and we had the trifecta,” said Melisa López Franzen. “Had you told me then that I’d be here 10 years later as the leader of our caucus, doing another trifecta in a midterm election, I would’ve said you are joking.”
Inside Forces
The Democratic victory is attributed to their ability to mobilize and maintain party unity. With a slim majority of just one seat in the Senate, Democrats will have to be in lock-step agreement to pass legislation.
“I believe our caucus is committed to progress and want to put behind us the divisions, the fearmongering and the stalemate that has become endemic in the legislature and replace that with thoughtful, forward-thinking, strong public policy,” said Sen. Erin Murphy.
Power Dynamics
The trifecta gives Governor Tim Walz and the Democratic legislative leaders the power to implement policies that were previously stalled. Key issues include codifying abortion rights, passing paid family leave, and approving recreational marijuana use.
“There’s a changed dynamic here now. We’re not going to see things Minnesotans need be stalled,” said Governor Tim Walz.
Outside Impact
The new dynamic is expected to reshape various aspects of state governance, including education investments, infrastructure funding, and gun laws. The next major task will be crafting a two-year spending plan for the state.
“We know what Minnesotans want. Minnesotans want fully funded public schools. They want health care everyone can afford and they want an economy that works for everyone,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the Democrats will focus on several key areas:
- Codifying abortion rights and expanding access to contraception
- Passing paid family leave
- Approving recreational marijuana use
- Boosting education investments
- Approving infrastructure funding
- Passing “red flag” gun laws
Data Points
- November 2022: Date of the midterm elections that led to the Democratic trifecta
- 2017: Year Republicans last controlled the Minnesota Senate
- 69: Number of pro-choice votes in the House, ensuring robust support for abortion-related legislation
The Democratic trifecta in Minnesota signals a new era of policy implementation, promising significant changes in the state’s governance and legislation. As the Democrats move forward with their agenda, the impact on Minnesotans and the broader political landscape will be closely watched.
