The Minnesota House of Representatives is now controlled by Democrats.
Two years ago, voters gave Republicans the majorities in both the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House. That was reversed in Tuesday’s election.
That outcome was made possible by the defeat of Republicans in several Twin Cities suburbs, as well as outstate areas such as Moorhead, Owatonna and Willmar.
Gov. Mark Dayton hailed the outcome because he and legislative Republicans have been at loggerheads for two years in disputes, one of which led to a statewide shutdown. Dayton is hoping the Democratic-controlled legislature will help him pass a tax increase on wealthier Minnesotans.
The exact number of Democratic winners to the legislature was not known as of press time early Wednesday. There are 67 senators and 134 representatives in the Minnesota Legislature.