77 Seats: DFL Secures Minnesota House Majority

Seventy-seven. That is the number of seats the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party will control in the Minnesota House of Representatives when the new session begins in January. The DFL replaces the two-year 67-67 tie with a decisive majority, ending a period of shared power between Republicans and Democrats.

House Leader Zack Stephenson outlined the new majority’s priorities in an interview at the state Capitol. He stated that the chamber will focus on the cost-of-living crisis affecting Minnesota residents. Stephenson said the leadership will take aggressive action to lower the costs of health care and housing to improve affordability for middle-class and working-class families.

The DFL faces immediate internal friction regarding revenue. Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar, who belongs to the same party, has repeatedly stated she will not raise taxes. Klobuchar told reporters on Wednesday that she remains firm on that position. Stephenson said he will oppose tax increases on the middle class but has not yet made a final pledge on other revenue sources.

Stephenson left the door open for corporate tax increases to fund mental health programs. He specifically referenced a tax on social media companies that the Minnesota Senate proposed but did not pass last year. Stephenson argued that these companies cause harm in the state through increased depression and anxiety. He described them as among the wealthiest entities on earth.

The new leadership must also address the state budget, which lacks a clear picture due to pending federal decisions. Stephenson noted that the November budget forecast is still unavailable. He warned that the overall financial outlook could change if the Trump administration announces cuts to federal healthcare funding for Minnesota.

The administration has already withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds amid widespread fraud allegations. Stephenson said combating fraud will remain a key focus for the House DFL. He stated that the party will use all available methods to secure state programs until they are certain no fraud is occurring.

Structural changes to oversight bodies are still under discussion. The House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee was created during the previous tied legislature. Stephenson said the caucus is interested in continuing this work but has not decided if the committee will keep its current name or structure. The DFL must elect a leadership team and finalize committee assignments before the 2027 legislative session starts on Jan. 12.