ST. PAUL, Minn. — After several days of negotiations, a bipartisan agreement was reached for organizing the Minnesota Senate when it begins Tuesday, January 14. The agreement ensures a smooth beginning to the 2025 Legislative Session, laying out a power-sharing agreement that will be in effect until the special election for Senate District 60 is decided and that member is seated.
“Minnesotans want their elected officials to put aside their differences, find common ground, and do the work they were sent to St. Paul to do. Thanks to this agreement, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing this week in the Senate,” said Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown). “Our work over the past two weeks will now ensure a timely start to session, free of partisan games and gridlock. Securing this agreement allows us to focus on the real issues facing Minnesotans and our communities, like good jobs, access to health and child care, and lowering costs for families.”
Currently, the 67-member Senate is evenly divided between 33 DFL members and 33 Republican members, with Senate District 60 open following the tragic passing of Senator Kari Dziedzic. Under the terms of the new agreement, laid out in Senate Resolution 1 which will be passed during Tuesday’s opening of Session, power will be evenly divided between the DFL and Republican caucuses including the election of co-presiding officers of the Senate and the temporary co-chairing of Committees, and evenly divided committee membership. These terms will remain in effect until the open seat in Senate District 60 is filled and a majority is secured.
“My sole priority as Senator is to deliver results for my constituents and our communities,” said Sen. Hauschild. “Now it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and work together to do the work Minnesotans sent us here to do.”
Entering the 2025 Legislative Session, Sen. Hauschild will be serving in a new role as an Assistant DFL Leader and as a member of the recently formed Blue Dog Coalition.
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Learn more about Sen. Hauschild.
