Minnesota Republicans have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) over the coming special election in House District 40B, where the winning Democratic candidate was recently ruled ineligible over residency requirements.

Republicans argued Gov. Tim Walz called for a special election too early and asked for a halt ahead of the legislative session.

The lawsuit comes after a judge granted Republican candidate Paul Wikstrom's contest of the results of the House race after finding his Democratic opponent, Curtis Johnson, did not establish residency in District 40B.

A lone seat could determine the balance of power in the Minnesota House. While a special election is currently scheduled for January 28 to fill that seat, Minnesota Republicans are suing over the timeline.

A week before the legislative session’s start, Minnesota representatives are butting heads on what Day 1 will look like: Democrats say a power-sharing agreement is still necessary, while Republicans declare they have a majority and will “exercise that right.

Minnesota's legislature was tied on Election Day. But with one Democratic member unable to take a seat, Republicans plan to take the majority.