DFL Gov. Tim Walz called a special election for a vacant House seat in the Roseville area too early and must choose a later date, the state Supreme Court ruled Friday in a decision that will extend Republicans’ advantage in a power struggle with Democrats in the House by granting them another month with a one-seat majority.

The Supreme Court on Friday cancelled the special election for a metro House race later this month, finding Gov. Tim Walz set the date before state law requires.

The Minnesota Supreme Court sided with the Republican Party of Minnesota which argued Gov. Tim Walz ordered a special election in District 40B too soon.

The writ of special election Walz issued on Dec. 27 is now quashed and the election must be canceled, the court ruled. Any ballots specifically for the now-cancelled Jan. 28 election, whether already cast or mailed or delivered to Ramsey County,

A Minnesota Supreme Court ruling sided with House Republicans over the timing of a special election in District 40B. This special election is the reason DFL House members have yet to show up to the 2025 Legislative Session.