Minnesota Republicans are expected to file a petition to the state Supreme Court Monday, hoping to delay a special election that will determine the balance of power in the state House.

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.

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.

The Minnesota Legislature starts its 2025 session on Jan. 14. At that time, Republicans will have a 67-66 majority in the House and the Senate will be tied at 33-33. But the outcomes of the special elections may change who controls each chamber.

Minnesota will need a special election to fill the vacancy in House District 40B. Governor Tim Walz issued a writ of special election on Friday to fill the opening.

A DFL state representative-elect said Friday he will not appeal a judge's ruling that he is ineligible to hold the office because he did not meet residency requirements​ for the district.

Republicans in Minnesota are attempting to get the state Supreme Court to delay a special election that would likely end their temporary slim majority in the state House. When the new state legislature begins next week,