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Rep. Lisa Demuth elected speaker of Minnesota House in 67-65 vote
Summary
Representative Lisa Demuth was elected speaker of the Minnesota House on Feb. 6, 2025, prevailing 67 to 65 in a roll-call vote. The closely divided chamber adopted power-sharing temporary rules and the speaker pledged cooperation across party lines.
Representative Lisa Demuth was elected speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives on Feb. 6, 2025, winning 67 votes to 65 in a roll-call election and was immediately administered the oath of office.
The vote followed formal nominations from both parties. Representative Baker nominated Demuth on behalf of the Republican caucus; Representative Igoe seconded the nomination. Representative Moller nominated incumbent Speaker Melissa Hortman on behalf of the DFL caucus; Representative Hollins seconded the nomination. After the roll call, Senate President Bobby Joe Champion administered the oath to Demuth.
The choice of speaker will determine how the chamber operates in a closely divided House. "I am absolutely humbled by the trust that you have placed in me to serve as speaker of the House of Representatives here in Minnesota," Representative Lisa Demuth said after taking the oath. "With balance in this chamber, it comes with an opportunity to lead differently. We must set a tone of cooperation and civility." Demuth said she would keep an open door to members of both parties and emphasized accountability and delivering results for Minnesotans.
During the nominations, Republican and DFL floor speeches framed the vote as a test of leadership for a narrowly divided body. Supporters of Hortman highlighted her six years of leadership and described her as a collaborative coach; supporters of Demuth emphasized unity and a fresh approach. The House then appointed representatives to escort the speaker-elect to the rostrum and proceed with organizing business.
The election of Demuth and the adoption of temporary organizing agreements (handled elsewhere on the day's agenda) set the procedural framework the House will use while it finalizes permanent rules. Formal committee and officer elections followed later in the session.
The House recessed to continue organization tasks, including the appointment of a committee to notify the governor that the House was duly organized.
