Suburbs Aid in ‘Mini-Blue Wave,’ DFL Takes Control of Minnesota Legislature

Described as a “mini-blue wave,” surprising even political experts, the DFL Party accomplished a legislative trifecta in this year’s election by winning complete control of Minnesota government. For the first time since 2014, Democrats will have the state House, Senate and all four constitutional offices under party control.

Minnesota Democrats beat the odds, despite backlash against President Joe Biden. Republicans had hoped to win seats in key suburban races, considered crucial to controlling the state legislature.

But the DFL was able to hold onto control of the House and flip the Senate. University of Minnesota political expert Larry Jacobs says the abortion issue hurt the GOP.

“We thought maybe the abortion issue was fading in intensity, and it may have for the general populations, but maybe 4 out of 10 voters went out. They were furious about the Supreme Court decision, overturning Roe, and they saw the Democrats as their only hope,” explained Jacobs.

Early voting helped produce higher turnout in Brooklyn Park

Minnesota has a record-setting $12.1 billion surplus. Next year DFL party caucuses will decide how to spend the funds. Jacobs says we can expect to see tax cuts for the middle class.

“We’re going to see more money going into education and health care. I think there’s also going to be money going into public safety,” predicted Jacobs.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, state voter turnout for Tuesday’s election is estimated at 60.7 percent. The 2018 midterm was 64.3 percent.

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