State legislative Democrats win their third majority-deciding special election of the year
WASHINGTON — DFLers defended their control of the Minnesota Senate tonight after Doron Clark emerged victorious in the SD-60 special election. The incredibly competitive Minnesota Senate is one of the six state legislative chambers where control hinges on a single seat, and this election was a must-win for keeping Democrats in control.
Minnesota will have another special election this spring, which will be consequential for the state House. DLCC Spotlight candidate David Gottfried is running for HD-40B, which would restore a tie in the chamber despite Republicans’ recent attempted power grab of the Speaker’s gavel. The DLCC announced a six-figure investment in the Minnesota House DFL to support the caucus through this special election and beyond.
Tonight’s victory in the Minnesota Senate is the third majority-making special election in January alone with more on the way. In early January, Democratic majorities in both chambers in Virginia were preserved when two DLCC Spotlight candidates won their races. These early special election victories build on the successes the DLCC secured in November’s races, building the case that Democrats’ best path forward is through winning races in the states.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“While MAGA Republicans seize control in Washington, protecting and expanding Democratic power in the states is of the utmost importance. Tonight’s victory in defending our one-seat majority in the Minnesota Senate highlights how every seat matters and can make a difference in shaping the balance of power in the states where so many chambers are decided by the slimmest of margins.
“There are no off-years for this ballot level and this is already the third majority-deciding special election in January alone, with more on the way. Democrats must ensure that we aren’t giving an inch and are ready to take advantage of every opportunity to defend and strengthen our state legislative majorities in these uncertain times.”
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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