GOP lawsuit against Secretary Simon dismissed as ‘moot’ after agreement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A lawsuit filed by Minnesota's GOP lawmakers has been dismissed as ‘moot’ by the Minnesota Supreme Court following a power-sharing agreement reached with the DFL members last week.

Minnesota Supreme Court decision

What they're saying:

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of GOP lawmakers, alleging Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon violated Minnesota’s Constitution when he continued to preside over the Minnesota House of Representatives, as DFL lawmakers continued to deny a quorum by refusing to attend house sessions in person.

On Feb. 6, 2025, the Minnesota Supreme Court held oral arguments.

Later that day, GOP lawmakers who filed the lawsuit also filed a "notice of mootness," saying that after a quorum was present following the power-sharing agreement, a new speaker was elected – effectively relieving Simon of his duties.

As a result, the court says it has agreed to dismiss the case as "moot".

The signed decision can be found below:

Overreach of power alleged by GOP

What we know:

Following a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that said 68 members were needed in attendance for a quorum – the minimum number of lawmakers needed present to conduct official business – Secretary Simon had been adjourning the House session each day, effectively stalling 67 Republicans from conducting business.

House Republicans followed the decision with another lawsuit, alleging that Simon was actively violating the Minnesota Constitution in doing so.

Both Rep. Harry Niska (R-Ramsey) and House Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) released a joint statement on the legal action, saying in part: "Secretary Simon is illegally obstructing our ability to compel absent members as specifically stated in the Constitution. Because he refuses to allow a motion on the House Floor to hold Democrats accountable, we are taking legal action to make sure it happens. Democrats are obstructing House business, and it needs to stop."

Rep. Demuth has since been elected as the first Black woman to serve as Minnesota's House Speaker.

The full petition can be viewed here:

Big picture view:

The lawsuit efforts have been attempts by GOP lawmakers to force DFL lawmakers to return to the capitol through the state Supreme Court prior to the power-sharing agreement.

As part of the petition, House Republicans also claimed Secretary Simon violated the Minnesota Constitution by not allowing them to fine DFL members for every day they do not show up.

House Democrats had been previously boycotting the session.

Minnesota legislators are paid just shy of $52,000 every year, or about $141 a day.