The Minnesota Republican Party has announced its intention to initiate recall proceedings against any Democratic legislator who boycotts the first day of the state legislative session. Democrats have suggested they may boycott the initial two weeks to prevent Republicans from leveraging their slim, and potentially short-lived, majority to establish legislative rules for the next two years. GOP Chairman Alex Plechash contends that this boycott constitutes a dereliction of duty, opening the door for recall efforts.

Republicans hold a narrow 67-66 majority in the House, a situation expected to change after a special election in a Democratic-leaning district on January 28th. The seat became vacant after the elected Democrat was disqualified for residency issues. Furthermore, Republicans are challenging the election results of another Democratic representative whose victory margin was extremely close, with lost absentee ballots complicating the matter.

This precarious majority gives Republicans a limited window to establish rules, prompting their strong reaction to the potential Democratic boycott. GOP Attorney Ryan Wilson explained that Minnesota law requires 25 voter signatures to initiate a recall petition, which is then reviewed by the Minnesota Supreme Court. If the court deems the grounds for recall valid, a larger signature gathering effort is required, followed by a recall vote.

The Republicans plan to argue "nonfeasance," or failure to perform a legally required duty, as the basis for the recall. They emphasize the unprecedented nature of the potential boycott, framing it as a refusal to work. Republican state Rep. Pam Altendorf accused the Democrats of acting like "sore losers" and attributed their current disadvantage to "cheating." The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party has not yet responded to requests for comment.