Chances of special session to address gun violence, school safety slim to none, political science expert says

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  Science and Technology on Sun, Oct 19th, 2025 by KSTP-TV

The Political Science Expert Says a Special Session on Gun‑Violence and School Safety is “Slim to None”

In the wake of a series of high‑profile school shootings across the United States, residents of the Twin Cities and the broader state of Minnesota have been demanding swift legislative action. Yet, according to political science professor Dr. Maya Patel of the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, the prospect of a special session dedicated to addressing gun violence and school safety is almost nil. The KSTP report, which features interviews with lawmakers, advocacy groups, and experts, outlines the complex political dynamics that make such a session highly unlikely.

The Anatomy of a Special Session

A special session is a powerful tool that allows the governor to summon the legislature outside the normal legislative calendar to focus on a specific issue. Minnesota law requires that a special session be called for a “public safety” emergency, such as a crisis in school safety. The governor’s decision is often influenced by the political composition of the state legislature and the public’s appetite for swift action. In the current political climate, a special session is almost a rhetorical gesture rather than a real possibility.

Dr. Patel points out that the Minnesota legislature is a Republican‑controlled body, with 56 Republicans and 48 Democrats in the House and 25 Republicans to 23 Democrats in the Senate. “The governor faces a legislative agenda that is tightly aligned with the Republican caucus,” she says. “There is very little bipartisan consensus on gun‑control measures that could pass a Republican‑controlled chamber.” Thus, even if a governor were to call a special session, the likelihood of it resulting in substantive policy changes is minimal.

Political Context and Partisanship

The KSTP article highlights how the 2022 legislative elections tightened the Republican hold on the state House. The political science expert explains that “partisan polarization has reached a level where even urgent public safety concerns fail to bridge ideological divides.” In Minnesota, Republican lawmakers have traditionally championed the Second Amendment and have opposed many federal‑style gun‑control proposals, such as universal background checks or restrictions on high‑capacity magazines.

The report quotes a former state senator who says, “We’re looking at a situation where any attempt to legislate on gun control would be met with a veto threat or, worse, a filibuster. The political calculus is that no one will risk the partisan balance by moving forward with new gun laws.” Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have expressed frustration at the lack of momentum. “The state’s political environment has shifted,” says a Democratic state representative. “We’re being forced to confront the fact that a special session is not a realistic route to achieve legislative progress.”

The Governor’s Stance

The article provides a brief look at Governor Tim Walz’s position. While the governor has publicly acknowledged the seriousness of school shootings and the need for improved safety measures, he has also emphasized his commitment to working within the current legislative structure. The KSTP piece quotes an official from the Governor’s Office who says, “Governor Walz is committed to the safety of Minnesota’s children and will pursue solutions through the regular legislative process.” The governor’s reluctance to call a special session has been linked to concerns about alienating his Republican allies and undermining his ability to push other agenda items.

Advocacy Groups and Public Pressure

The KSTP report also includes perspectives from advocacy groups such as the Minnesota Coalition for Gun Violence Prevention and the Education Association. These organizations argue that a special session would bring the issue to the forefront of public attention and could create a sense of urgency. “The momentum that follows a special session can force lawmakers to confront the facts and push through legislation that might otherwise stall,” says a spokesperson for the coalition.

However, the article notes that these groups face significant challenges. “Without a clear mandate from the governor and the bipartisan support needed to pass legislation, the special session is more of a symbolic gesture,” states the advocacy group. “It could potentially backfire by reinforcing the partisan divide, rather than healing it.”

Comparative Examples and Lessons Learned

The piece also draws comparisons with other states that have successfully called special sessions on gun safety. For instance, the article references a 2021 special session in the state of Ohio that resulted in a new gun‑storage law after a mass shooting. Dr. Patel comments on the differences in political climates between Ohio and Minnesota, noting that Ohio’s governor had a more flexible relationship with a bipartisan legislature. “You need a governor who is willing to break ranks,” she says.

In contrast, Minnesota’s political landscape is described as “polarized and inflexible.” The expert suggests that the state’s legislators are less inclined to take risks on controversial issues, especially when the partisan balance is at stake.

The Bottom Line

The KSTP article concludes that while public outcry and the urgency of school shootings make the idea of a special session appealing, the reality of Minnesota’s partisan environment makes it “slim to none.” Dr. Patel’s analysis emphasizes that the state’s Republican‑controlled legislature, combined with a governor who is cautious about alienating his allies, creates a perfect storm that diminishes the likelihood of any substantive policy change.

In sum, Minnesota residents looking for immediate legislative action on gun violence and school safety may need to focus on incremental changes within the existing legislative framework rather than hoping for a special session that, according to political science experts, is unlikely to materialize. The path forward will require sustained advocacy, bipartisan engagement, and a willingness to compromise—factors that are currently in short supply in the state’s political arena.