The state House GOP argues that it can rule with its 67-66 majority after successfully challenging the residency of a Democratic representative. State House Democrats argue that Republicans can only govern with a majority of 68 seats and must thus wait until the special election for the vacant seat is decided. Last week, the Minnesota Supreme Court sided with the Democrats, ruling that a quorum of 68 is needed.

Despite this, Republicans and Democrats still haven’t negotiated a power-sharing agreement, as Democrats are demanding. On Monday, 67 Republicans showed up, while Democrats continued their boycott.

Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon presided over the half-empty chamber for a second time.

“A quorum is not present. The House is adjourned,” he said, dismissing the present Republicans.

The adjournment prevented Republicans from introducing a planned bill that would have required the Democrats to forfeit their salaries while they were absent.

“We know that there are 66 Democrats that easily could have come into work today. Instead, they chose not to,” House GOP Leader Lisa Demuth told reporters, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. “The secretary of state would not take any motions from any duly elected member of the House of Representatives today, which has definitely its own concerns.”

The crisis could last for at least another month — until the Roseville special election is held. Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) said earlier this month that he expected it would take place on March 5.

The Democrats are expected to win the Roseville election, bringing the chamber back to a tie at 67-67.

There are some signs of progress, however. Demuth and Democratic House leader Melissa Hortman met over the weekend and again on Monday morning to try to reach a deal.

“I’m just really glad that we’re back at the table,” Hortman said, expressing optimism that a deal could be reached later this week.

The Minnesota House Democrats undertook a private swearing-in ceremony earlier this month outside the state Capitol, so new members would be “properly and legally sworn in” before the beginning of the legislative session, Hortman said.

Republicans decried the ceremony as illegitimate.

“It was shocking to hear that House Democrats held an unprecedented secret swearing-in ceremony behind closed doors, with no public notice,” Demuth told the Washington Examiner at the time. “If the DFL believes what they’re doing is right, why not hold a public swearing-in? They didn’t even confirm it happened until House Republicans called out their actions after the fact.”