No, the Minnesota House Didn’t Flip – But the Immigration Debate Just Got a Lot Hotter

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A big stir on social media this week had many folks thinking Republicans had taken control of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Why? Because a Democrat lawmaker, Rep. Kaohly Vang Her, said during a speech, “I am illegal in this country.”

That comment, taken at face value, set off a firestorm online – with some claiming she was ineligible to hold office and that her seat would flip the tied House to the GOP.

But let’s hit the brakes. That story, while dramatic, isn’t quite what it seems.

What Really Happened

On June 9, 2025, Rep. Her, a Democrat from St. Paul, gave an emotional speech during a debate over House File 1 – a Republican-backed bill to stop using taxpayer dollars for healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants under MinnesotaCare.

During that speech, Her shared her personal story.

“I am illegal in this country. My parents are illegal here in this country,” she said. She explained how her family fled Vietnam after the war, and her father changed some paperwork so they could get to the U.S.

That statement made headlines and social media blew up.

One post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed, “Minnesota House just flipped to GOP control because one of the Dems admitted to be an illegal alien.”

Others said the entire session had been a “sham.”

But here’s the problem: that’s not true.

What We Know About Her’s Citizenship

After the uproar, Rep. Her told Newsweek that she’s been a U.S. citizen for nearly 40 years.

Her family came to America legally in 1976 as refugees. Her grandfather had worked with the CIA during the Vietnam War, which helped the family get out safely.

Her admitted she recently found out that her father had “manipulated” some paperwork back then, which she now believes broke the law. But that doesn’t mean she herself is undocumented or ineligible to serve in office.

According to Minnesota law, to be in the House, you have to be a U.S. citizen and a registered voter.

If Her is a naturalized citizen – which all sources, including her own public statements, confirm – then she meets those requirements. No court has said otherwise.

So, to put it simply: Her can legally hold office. She’s not an “illegal alien.”

What’s Really Going On in the Minnesota House?

Right now, the Minnesota House is tied: 67 Democrats, 67 Republicans.

That tie came after a special election in March 2025 where Democrat David Gottfried won a close race, evening things out again after a brief GOP majority.

Because of the tie, both sides agreed to a power-sharing deal.

Republican Lisa Demuth is the Speaker of the House and will stay in that role for the rest of the two-year term – even if future special elections swing the numbers again.

So, despite the rumors, Republicans did not just take control of the House. There hasn’t been any official change, and no lawmakers have been removed from office.

Why Her’s Comments Hit a Nerve

There’s no question immigration is a hot-button issue – especially when it comes to taxpayer-funded benefits like healthcare.

Many conservatives argue it’s unfair for people who aren’t citizens to get benefits paid for by folks who follow the rules and pay their taxes.

That’s what this whole debate over MinnesotaCare is really about.

Republicans want to make sure undocumented immigrants aren’t getting free healthcare on the public dime. Democrats say it’s about compassion and treating everyone with dignity.

Her’s speech was meant to put a face to the issue. She talked about her family’s struggle to show that not everyone who comes here illegally is a criminal or a threat.

But her choice of words – calling herself “illegal” – clouded the message and made it easy for critics to pounce.

And they did.

Some conservatives on X called for her to be removed from office or even deported. Others said her confession proves the whole legislative session has been “illegitimate.”

But again, there’s no legal proof that Her broke any laws by serving. Her statement was about her family’s past, not her own current status.

So What’s Next?

Unless new facts come out or a court steps in, nothing’s changing in the Minnesota House. It’s still a 67-67 tie.

Lisa Demuth remains Speaker. And lawmakers from both sides will have to keep working together – like it or not.

Still, this incident shows just how deep the divide is on immigration.

Republicans are right to raise concerns about law and order, fairness, and government spending. At the same time, stories like Her’s remind us that immigration isn’t always black and white.

The bottom line? Before jumping to conclusions based on one comment or social media post, it’s worth taking a minute to check the facts.

Because no, the Minnesota House didn’t flip. But the debate over who belongs – and who pays – is far from over.