Minnesota’s political landscape took an unexpected turn when a court ruling disqualified a Democrat candidate, Curtis Johnson, from serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This development marks a significant victory for Republicans and poses a potential shift in the balance of power within the state’s legislative body. A Ramsey County District Court judge determined that Johnson did not meet residency requirements to represent House District 40B, as reported by The Minnesota Star Tribune. The ruling was the result of Republican Paul Wikstrom’s challenge, which claimed Johnson’s alleged residency was fabricated.
Judge Leonardo Castro agreed with Wikstrom, stating that Johnson had not established the necessary residency to assume office. “Curtis Johnson is enjoined from taking the oath of office and from acting as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for House District 40B,” Castro wrote. He emphasized that merely obtaining a lease and changing voter registration does not satisfy residency requirements; meaningful physical presence is essential to demonstrate genuine intent to reside in the district.
🚨 UPDATE: Republicans to GAIN CONTROL of the Minnesota House of Representatives after a Democrat is ruled ineligible to serve – Star Tribune
This comes from the same election where Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was on the ticket. pic.twitter.com/psgCBswOI3
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 20, 2024
Wikstrom’s campaign team conducted investigations by contacting utility companies like Xcel Energy and Comcast to verify service connections at Johnson’s purported residence. They found no accounts set up for either service at his Roseville apartment. Additionally, campaign staff inspected the apartment and noted it appeared unused, with dust covering surfaces undisturbed.
This decision represents a HUGE setback for Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota Democrats who anticipated maintaining control over the state legislature. With this ruling, Republicans have an opportunity to gain control of the Minnesota House, potentially complicating his legislative agenda during his second term. Currently, Republicans hold a slim majority with 67 seats compared to Democrats’ 66.
Elmer Fudd – Locked and loaded.. pic.twitter.com/Zy6gMCPfWh
— Sandfort (@Sandfort_) December 20, 2024
Governor Walz has faced mounting criticism recently due partly due his role as Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential running mate during their unsuccessful campaign against Trump-Vance ticket last election cycle. Many Americans viewed him performing poorly on debate stage missing opportunities challenge opponent effectively.