Minnesota Election Results: What’s Next for the Arts?

Minnesota voters have made their voices heard in record numbers, and the November 3 election will bring some significant changes to state government. With a new Governor and a shift in control of the Minnesota House, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts has important work ahead as we prepare for the next legislative session.

Here are a few key takeaways from the state elections:

• A New Governor: Amy Klobuchar was elected Minnesota's next Governor.
• The State Senate: The DFL retained control of the Senate and picked up additional seats, with a few close races still being finalized.
• The State House: The DFL regained control of the House, flipping several seats and establishing a majority. A handful of close races are still being confirmed.
• Caucuses: Following the election, the Senate Republican, Senate DFL, and House DFL caucuses selected their leadership teams for the upcoming legislative session. A notable change comes in the Senate, where Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) was elected Minority Leader, replacing Sen. Mark Johnson. On the DFL side, Sen. Erin Murphy was re-elected Majority Leader, and Rep. Zack Stephenson as DFL lead has been selected as speaker-designate. The Senate DFL also elected Sen. Bobby Joe Champion as Senate President, Sen. Nick Frentz as Deputy Majority Leader, Sen. John Marty as Finance Committee Chair, and Sen. Scott Dibble as Taxes Committee Chair.

With these changes, MCA has important work ahead as we connect with new legislators and ensure they understand the importance of arts and culture funding, protecting the Legacy Amendment, and building support for its renewal. Fortunately, that work is already underway. During the campaign season, MCA held productive meetings with the Governor-elect's office and legislative leadership on both sides of the aisle. We look forward to continuing those conversations and keeping the arts a priority in the months ahead.

WHAT DO THE ELECTION RESULTS MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS IN MINNESOTA?

There is a lot to discuss, and we want you to be part of the conversation!

Become an MCA member by the End of the Day Today and receive an invitation to our 2 PM November 9 Annual Meeting, where we'll take a closer look at the election results, what the changes in state government mean for Minnesota's arts and cultural sector, and what's ahead for arts advocacy and Legacy funding and renewal.

Your membership helps make this work possible and supports Minnesota's only statewide arts advocacy organization as we continue to protect and advance the arts across Minnesota.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY AND RECEIVE AN INVITE

Federal Election Update

According to preliminary analysis from our partners at Americans for the Arts, Democrats are projected to take control of both chambers of Congress, with 253 seats in the U.S. House and 54 seats in the Senate, including seven Senate pickups. With 25 House races and two Senate races still uncalled, the final numbers remain subject to change. These results will bring significant changes to congressional leadership, committee assignments, and legislative priorities. With more than 100 new House members expected, arts advocates will have important opportunities to introduce newly elected representatives to the value and impact of arts and culture in their communities.

Our partners at AFTA are also hosting a webinar to go over the Federal Election results and what it means for the arts on November 18th at 1PM Central. You can join by registering today.

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR