Kari Dziedzic, Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, Passes Away at 62

Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic passed away on Friday at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Her family shared that she was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing, stating, She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved.

Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, praised Dziedzic’s dedication to serving Minnesotans throughout her more than decade-long tenure in the Minnesota Senate. It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Senator Dziedzic’s leadership has had on our state, Martin said. She devoted her life to making her fellow Minnesotans’ lives better, and she refused to allow cancer to get in her way. Minnesota has lost a giant, but her extraordinary legacy will outlast us all.

Dziedzic played a pivotal role in maintaining unity within the Senate DFL caucus in 2023, enabling the passage of key Democratic initiatives, including funding for universal school meals, the establishment of a paid family and medical leave program, strengthened legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, and the legalization of recreational cannabis—all accomplished with a narrow one-vote majority.

Known for her steady and composed demeanor, Dziedzic earned respect across party lines, even during contentious moments in the Senate. Her laid-back style made her an unexpected choice for majority leader following the 2022 election.

Leaders from both major political parties expressed profound sorrow over her passing, reflecting the widespread admiration she garnered during her career.

Senator Kari Dziedzic was a passionate legislator, a respected leader, and a trusted colleague and friend. She will be remembered for her integrity and compassion for Minnesotans, which she exemplified by continuing to serve even as she battled cancer, said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, an East Grand Forks Republican. I’m deeply saddened by her passing and am praying for her family and friends as we all mourn this loss.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, described Dziedzic as one of the most skilled diplomats ever to serve in elected office.

Her legacy includes significant achievements in policy and investment in Minnesota, but more importantly, she will be remembered for treating people with dignity and respect and never giving up on finding workable compromises, Hortman said. She had an incredible ability to work diligently through the most arcane and difficult policy issues to find resolution.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, echoed these sentiments, calling Dziedzic an uncommon leader.

Her talents as a consequential and thoughtful leader made us all better legislators, and her examples of kindness, humor, and selflessness made us all better people, Murphy said.

Former Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen praised Dziedzic as one of the hardest workers she had ever known.

The last time I spoke to Kari a few weeks ago, she was still serving her constituents, Franzen wrote on social media. That’s Senator Dziedzic—the hardest-working legislator I have ever had the honor to serve with. Rest in peace, my friend.

Dziedzic was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023 and underwent emergency surgery to limit its spread. She stepped down from her leadership position in February after the cancer recurred.

The Senate will now stand in a 33-33 tie between Democrats and Republicans heading into the 2025 legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz has not yet announced when a special election might be held for Dziedzic’s Minneapolis district.

Though Dziedzic held a degree in engineering, she was ultimately drawn to public service, inspired by her father, Walt, a colorful Minneapolis city council member who later served on the park board.

I knew the long hours. I knew the phone calls at home. I knew what I was walking into, Dziedzic once told MPR News. But I also knew the opportunity that you have to help other people. And it’s about helping people and making your community better.

Dziedzic began her career in public service as a campaign volunteer and later worked as a scheduling aide for former U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone. After working for a Hennepin County commissioner, she was encouraged to run for a state Senate seat when longtime lawmaker Larry Pogemiller stepped down to take another government position.

Gov. Tim Walz called Dziedzic a one-of-a-kind leader and added, Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants.

Details about her memorial service have not yet been announced.