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November 26, 2024
Legislative Update
As the campaign season concludes, I’m pleased to resume our correspondence. I hope you all enjoyed the summer months and are making the most of this unseasonably warm November. With the elections behind us, we can now turn our attention to the work ahead in St. Paul.
Election Results
This year’s elections brought a wave of activity, from mailers and text messages to TV ads and door knocks—each campaign vying for your attention. Targeted races saw unprecedented spending, with some exceeding $1 million in combined efforts from party units and outside organizations.
During the election season, legislative communication was paused to comply with campaign rules. Now that the results are in, we are resuming our regular updates.
I am honored to share that I was reelected with 66.46% of the vote, which is my largest margin of victory in my 12 years, with the exception of the two elections that I had no opponent. Your support and trust mean the world to me, and I remain committed to representing our community’s values in St. Paul.
House Republicans had a successful election cycle, retaining all closely contested seats and flipping three districts from the DFL. However, with four being the threshold for a Republican majority, the Minnesota House of Representatives now faces a historic 67-67 tie—the first since 1978. Back then, Democrats and Republicans negotiated a power-sharing agreement, and the upcoming biennium will likely follow a similar path.
Leadership teams have already agreed that all legislative committees will have equal representation, split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats. Discussions are ongoing regarding other critical matters, including which caucus leaders will fulfill the responsibilities associated with the top House leadership roles of Speaker and Majority Leader. While a divided government presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation.
A Message of Gratitude and Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the blessings that unite us as a community. This holiday reminds us to be grateful for our loved ones, the freedoms we hold dear, and the strength of our shared values.
Whether you are enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal, volunteering to support those in need, or simply spending time with family and friends, I hope this season brings peace and joy to your home.
For those traveling this holiday, I wish you safe and smooth journeys. From my family to yours, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy and meaningful Thanksgiving. Let us carry the spirit of gratitude into the coming weeks as we prepare to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Together, we can ensure Minnesota continues to thrive. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working with you in the months to come.
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