The stakes are high in Minnesota as Republicans stage an undemocratic power grab for the speaker’s gavel
WASHINGTON — The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) today announced a $100k investment into the Minnesota House DFL caucus as well as a Spotlight candidate designation to support David Gottfried’s run for the House District 40B race. This special election and early investment in one of the most competitive chambers in the country come as Minnesota Republicans try to undemocratically seize the speaker’s gavel in the short period before the vacancy is filled.
Today’s announcement comes as a judge just issued a ruling this morning that rejects another ongoing GOP ploy to deny seating a lawfully elected DFLer in HD 54A to superficially secure a majority.
Republicans’ undemocratic tactics raise the stakes for the special election on January 28th, which will determine the balance of power in the Minnesota House. A Democratic victory would restore the chamber to a tie, reflecting the will of voters who elected an equal number of Democrats and Republicans in November. Along with supporting the House DFL ahead of the special election, this investment will also help support Democratic infrastructure in what will be a close and competitive chamber all cycle long.
David Gottfried (HD-40B) specializes in pro bono legal work, working closely to support volunteer housing law programs and protect civil rights. David has seen how basic necessities like adequate housing and quality health care are still out of reach for so many of Minnesota’s working families. If David is elected to the state House this month, he’ll hit the ground running to make sure every Minnesotan gets the support they need to build a better life.
This vacancy speaks to the importance of a single seat in state legislative chambers, and the DLCC’s investment provides some of the off-year and long-term support needed to elect and expand DFL majorities in Minnesota, a perennial battleground that will remain competitive for cycles to come. The DLCC and state Democrats’ wins across the country over the last several cycles have proven the efficacy of early investments, which often act as multipliers that lay the foundation for successful and self-sustaining campaigns. This investment in the House DFL will help Democrats restore a tie in the chamber and lay the groundwork for taking back the majority in 2026.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“The nefarious speakership power grab pursued by Minnesota Republicans exemplifies exactly why they can’t be trusted with a legislative majority. Luckily, a special election is right around the corner and the DLCC is delivering a six-figure investment to support the caucus ahead of this consequential race and for the fight ahead. The DLCC and the DFL will continue to hold Republicans accountable for their illegitimate power grab and extreme agenda.
“Democratic leadership in the states couldn’t be more important as we face down an incoming Trump presidency. States like Minnesota will be at the forefront of shaping the Democratic resistance, which is why it is crucial we adequately fund every chance we get to build Democratic power in state legislatures.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures and building state infrastructure. 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.
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