Senate Republicans picked up six seats in yesterday’s election and will control the Senate for a four-year term for the first time since the Minnesota legislature organized by party designation. Republicans won seats in Greater Minnesota and in the suburbs to earn a 34-33 majority.

Senate Republican Leader David Hann released a statement:

“Minnesotans decided it’s time for a change, and have put their trust in Senate Republicans to lead our state. This is the first time in state history Republicans earned a four-year majority in the Senate. Voters want Republicans to stop the government overreach that happened under DFL control, and give them back power to make decisions about their own lives. They want us to fix the health care crisis. They want government to live within its means and stop spending money wastefully. Senate Republicans will be a check on Governor Dayton’s agenda, and we’ll advance common sense policies that Minnesotans have been waiting for.

“We won the majority because respected community leaders stepped forward to run for office. They are honest, trustworthy, and not bound by special interests. They listen to their neighbors and genuinely have the community’s best interests at heart. On behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus, thank you for your votes. We will work hard to keep your trust, and we look forward to leading Minnesota over the next four years.”