Minnesota House Republicans, who lost control of the chamber in the Nov. 6 elections, are girding for their new — but not unfamiliar — role as the minority party in St. Paul.
Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, was elected minority leader on Nov. 9. He held that job for two years before the GOP seized control in the 2014 elections and he became speaker.
Last week, Daudt revealed the GOP leadership team that will be in place when the House convenes Jan. 8.
Rep. Anne Neu of North Branch is the new deputy Republican leader. She has moved quickly up the hierarchy: She won a 2017 special election and was re-elected by a 58-42 percent vote.
Neu gained attention for sponsoring a bill banning people who have a DWI from operating boats, snowmobiles and ATVs while their licenses are suspended. It's now law.
New additions to the Republican team are Reps. Peggy Bennett of Albert Lea, Josh Heintzeman of Nisswa, Jon Koznick of Lakeville, and Peggy Scott of Andover.
The other members of the crew also had leadership roles in the last session: Reps. Dan Fabian of Roseau, Tony Albright of Prior Lake and Jim Nash of Waconia.
Democrats have controlled the House for 12 of the past 20 two-year legislative sessions. Their longest continuous streak was from 1987 to 1999. Republicans are still in control of the Minnesota Senate.
