ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — House Democrats have boycotted the opening day of Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session in an effort to stop Republicans from exploiting a temporary majority to advance their agenda. There was applause as Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon entered the chamber Tuesday to convene the proceedings. But the Democratic side of the House chamber was empty, with none of their members in sight. Only Republicans replied “present” as a clerk took the roll. Simon declared there was no quorum and adjourned. But Republicans pressed ahead and elected Lisa Demuth as speaker. That’s a legally debatable move that Democrats have said they will not accept.
