The 2016 Minnesota House of Representatives election was held on November 8, 2016, concurrently with the 2016 United States presidential election and other state and local contests. All 134 seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives were up for election for two‑year terms.
Context and Procedure
- Primary elections: Party nominees were selected in nonpartisan primaries held on August 9, 2016.
- Electoral system: Minnesota uses single‑member districts with first‑past‑the‑post voting; the candidate receiving the most votes in each district wins the seat.
- Term length: Members elected in 2016 served in the 90th Minnesota Legislature, convening in January 2017.
Major Parties and Candidates
- Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) – the state affiliate of the Democratic Party.
- Minnesota Republican Party – the state affiliate of the Republican Party.
Both parties fielded candidates in virtually all districts; a few independent and third‑party candidates also appeared on the ballot.
Election Results
| Party | Seats won | Seat change* |
|---|---|---|
| DFL | 84 | +23 |
| Republican | 50 | –23 |
*Seat change reflects the difference from the previous 2014 House composition (DFL 61, Republican 73).
The DFL regained a majority in the House, securing 84 seats, while the Republicans held 50 seats. The DFL’s majority allowed the party to retain control of the House leadership positions, including the Speaker of the House.
Voter Turnout
The 2016 general election featured higher voter participation than typical midterm cycles, driven in part by the presidential contest. Exact turnout figures for the House race are included in the Minnesota Secretary of State’s official canvass but are not detailed here.
Aftermath
- Leadership: DFL Representative Melissa Hortman was elected Speaker of the House for the 90th Minnesota Legislature.
- Legislative agenda: The DFL majority advocated for policies on education funding, health care expansion, and infrastructure investment during the 2017–2018 legislative session.
Sources
- Minnesota Secretary of State, Official Election Results, 2016.
- Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, “Minnesota House of Representatives Elections, 2016.”
No speculative or unverified information is included.
