DFL retakes control of Minnesota Legislature

Democrats gained seats in key state legislative districts on Tuesday, and it appeared the party could pick up enough seats to retake control of both the House and Senate, both of which the DFL lost in 2010, the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press report.

Senate Democrats declared that they had won control of their chamber early Wednesday, MPR reports. And DFL House Minority Leader Paul Thissen said that GOP Speaker Kurt Zellers called him just after 1 a.m. to congratulate him on winning the House, MPR says.

The Associated Press breaks down a few of the key races.

Here's the MPR map that shows how the races were shaping up in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

Following redistricting, all 201 legislative seats in Minnesota were in play Tuesday.

When Republicans won control of both chambers two years ago, it was the first time in almost 40 years that the GOP held a majority.
Minnesota Public Radio notes that both parties and their supporters have spent a record amount of money to sway the outcome of the races.

The race for control of the Legislature was largely fought in the Twin Cities suburbs, the Pioneer Press noted.