ST. PAUL, Minn. — A forthcoming ruling from a judge in a case challenging a state House race in Shakopee could throw another wrench in what’s shaping up to be a shaky start to the legislative session next week .
State legislative leaders, political observers and constituents of House District 54A await an order from Judge Tracy Perzel, who presided over the two-day trial in the election contest for the seat. She is expected to issue a ruling as soon as this week and the outcome will have implications for the balance of power in the chamber as the legislature readies for the 2025 session that starts next Tuesday.
DFL Incumbent Rep. Brad Tabke narrowly defeated GOP candidate Aaron Paul in that race by 14 votes, a smaller margin than the 20 missing ballots from one precinct elections officials say were likely tossed in the trash by mistake .
But because of that error, Republicans are seeking a new election. Under oath at the trial, voters linked to the ballots at issue said who they voted for; Tabke’s attorney said their testimony proved the outcome would remain unchanged if the ballots were recovered.