WC Minnesota News

Minnesota State Representative Jim Joy has begun his second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Joy, who represents District 4B, was officially sworn in on January 14 alongside 66 other Republican legislators.

Joy expressed appreciation for the opportunity to continue serving his district. "It is an incredible honor to continue serving the people of District 4B, and I remain deeply committed to advocating for your values, priorities, and the future of our great state," he said.

In his update, Joy addressed recent developments concerning Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) House members. He criticized a swearing-in ceremony held by DFL members on January 12. "On the evening of January 12, DFL House members held a secret, illegitimate swearing-in ceremony— an act that not only undermined the formal oath process but was blatantly disrespectful to the hardworking voters who entrusted them with the responsibilities they were elected to carry out," Joy stated. He further commented on their absence from legislative work: "To make matters worse, these members have refused to show up and do the work they were elected to do while continuing to collect taxpayer-funded paychecks. It completely surprises me that they would allow this situation to escalate to this point."

The current balance in the Minnesota House changed after Curtis Johnson, a Democrat elected in District 40B (Roseville area), was ruled ineligible due to not meeting residency requirements; a judge determined he had not lived in his district for six months before Election Day. This left one seat vacant and reduced the total number of seated representatives from 134 to 133.

With all Republican members present numbering 67—more than half of those currently seated—Joy said Republicans proceeded with legislative business: "As such, we moved forward with the work Minnesotans sent us here to do."

He called upon DFL colleagues "to take a step back, recognize the consequences of their actions, and recommit themselves to the people of Minnesota." He added: "There’s important work ahead, and Minnesotans deserve leaders who show up, engage, and put their best interests first."

Joy encouraged constituents with questions or concerns about legislative matters to contact him by phone or email.