Republicans spent big to try to wrestle control in this majority-making special election, but DLCC Spotlight candidate Ann Johnson Stewart emerges victorious
WASHINGTON — In a majority-making special election, DLCC Spotlight candidate Ann Johnson Stewart has emerged victorious, protecting the Minnesota Senate majority. While the full Minnesota Senate was not up this cycle, this seat in this special election was a must-win for defending the Democratic majority in the chamber.
As part of the DFL’s governing trifecta in Minnesota, Senate Democrats passed critical legislation to fund free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students, increase funding for mental health services, protect school library books from censorship, establish paid family and medical leave, and enshrine protection for reproductive freedom. These achievements hung in the balance with the threat of Republicans taking this chamber and stymying a future progressive agenda – yet voters delivered a clear mandate that Democrats should continue moving the state forward.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Tonight’s crucial majority-making victory in the Minnesota Senate was a must-win race and a big win for the DLCC and our partners in Minnesota. We congratulate Sen.-elect Ann Johnson Stewart on her decisive win, and we are excited for her to join her DFL colleagues in protecting fundamental freedoms and democracy in Minnesota.
“When this special election was added to the November ballot, the DLCC moved quickly with our partners and allies to ensure the resources and support needed to hold this critical seat were available. With the Minnesota Senate majority now protected, Democrats can get back to work to deliver for all Minnesota families.”
The DLCC is the official arm of the Democratic Party with the sole mission of building Democratic power in the states and setting the national agenda at the state level. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
