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Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic died Friday, less than two years after receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. She was 62.

Her family said she died surrounded by loved ones. “She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved,” they said in a statement.

Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin said the Minneapolis Democrat was committed to working for Minnesotans. She served in the Minnesota Senate for more than a decade.

“It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Senator Dziedzic’s leadership has had on our state,” Martin said in a statement. “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 was instrumental in holding together the Senate DFL caucus in 2023 as they passed,

with a one-vote majority, a variety of Democratic priorities like funding universal school meals for students, approving a paid family and medical leave program, cementing legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care and legalizing cannabis for recreational use. 

She was respected on both sides of the political aisle and her demeanor was always steady, even amid tense times in the Senate. Dziedzic’s laid-back style made her a surprising pick for majority leader after the 2022 election.

Leaders from both major political parties said they were heartbroken by her death. 

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

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said she was “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, agreed, saying she was “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 a hard worker.

“The last time I spoke to Kari a few weeks ago she was still serving her constituents,” 

. “That’s Senator Dziedzic, the hardest working legislator I have ever had the honor to serve with. Rest in peace my friend.”

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023, Dziedzic underwent emergency surgery to limit its spread. She 

 from her leadership position in February after her 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 said when he might call for a special election in the Minneapolis district.

Dziedzic had a degree in engineering but couldn’t resist the family pull into public service. Her father, Walt, was a colorful Minneapolis city council member who later served on the park board. Dziedzic told MPR News that she felt drawn into politics after watching her father’s example.

“I knew the long hours. I knew the phone calls at home. I knew what I was walking into,” she said. “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 a career in public service as a campaign volunteer and later moved on to become a scheduling aide for former U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone.

After a stint working for a Hennepin County commissioner, she was nudged to run for a state Senate seat when longtime lawmaker Larry Pogemiller stepped down to take another government job.

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

Details for a memorial service have not yet been announced.

Dana Ferguson

Author

The DFL senator was instrumental in holding her caucus together to pass a broad set of bills during the 2023 legislative session.

Kari Dziedzic, former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, dies at 62

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