Legal Challenge Threatens Minnesota House Race Outcome
A legal dispute has emerged in Minnesota’s House race, intensifying scrutiny over residency requirements as the state heads into a potentially tied legislative session. Republican candidate Paul Wikstrom has filed a lawsuit in Ramsey County District Court, claiming that Democratic victor Curtis Johnson does not reside in the district he intends to represent. The case adds another layer of complexity to a polarized House that could see a split 67-67 between Republicans and Democrats when the new session convenes in January.
Wikstrom’s lawsuit argues that Johnson’s registered residence—a studio apartment in Roseville—does not reflect his actual living situation. According to the court documents, Wikstrom’s campaign volunteers allegedly documented Johnson in his home in Little Canada, which lies outside the pertinent district, over 60 times from late August to mid-November. This challenge comes amid the final recount results of two close races favoring DFLers in Shakopee and St. Cloud, which have not yet been certified.
In response, Johnson noted that he and his wife secured the apartment while searching for a new home within the district. Under Minnesota state law, candidates must reside in their districts for six months prior to an election. A spokesperson for the Minnesota House Democrats affirmed Johnson’s residency claim, suggesting the lawsuit is unlikely to succeed.
Johnson, a member of the Roseville school board, defeated Wikstrom by over 30 percentage points, and his victory was certified by the Ramsey County canvassing board. Wikstrom’s suit seeks to overturn this certification and instigate a new election. A hearing date for the case has yet to be established as the 2025 legislative session is set to begin on January 14.
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