Minnesota’s top court ruled that Republicans had overstepped their authority by conducting business in the Legislature even as Democrats boycotted the session.

Rep. Brad Tabke was elected by 15 votes, and no matter how close the election, certified results mean a win is a win.

The order should force Republicans back to the table for a power-sharing agreement, likely similar to the state Senate, which is also tied between Democrats and Republicans during what has become a contentious 2025 state House session.

A one-seat Republican majority in the Statehouse and a looming special election made for a tense start to a new era of divided government.

Minnesota Democrats are trying to prevent Republicans from taking advantage of a temporary one-seat majority caused by a vacancy in a Democratic-leaning seat, and the chamber is expected to return to 67-67 after a special election.

The Minnesota Supreme Court handed Democrats a major win Friday, effectively ruling that Republicans didn’t have enough members to conduct business in the Minnesota House. The state’s highest court ruled that a quorum — the necessary number of members needed to conduct business — is 68 members out of 134 officials.