Former Minnesota Senate majority leader and current state senator Kari Dziedzic passed away Friday following a battle with ovarian cancer, her family announced in a statement.
A Democrat from northeast Minneapolis, Dziedzic was first elected to represent Senate District 60 in January 2012. She then ascended to the position of Senate majority leader, serving in that role during the 2023 session, when the Minnesota DFL’s trifecta passed a sweeping legislative agenda that hinged on a one-vote majority in the Senate.
“Kari will be remembered by her family and those she served for her enthusiastic and humble leadership, which inspired all who knew her. She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved. Like her father (Walter), she was fearless, even as she entered her battle with an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2023 while serving as Senate Majority Leader,” her family said.
Dziedzic stepped down from Senate leadership in February but remained a member of the Minnesota Senate. She was remembered by her successor, Sen. Erin Murphy, as a “consequential and thoughtful leader” who “made us all better legislators.”
“She was an uncommon leader and touched us all in a great many ways. I will miss her greatly,” Murphy said.
Dziedzic was a graduate of Edison High School and the University of Minnesota. She served as executive assistant to the late U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone and in several roles for Hennepin County. Leaders from across the political spectrum paid tribute to Dziedzic on Saturday.
“I’m heartbroken to lose my dear friend Kari Dziedzic. While she served as my state Senator, I saw how closely she listened to and worked with people in her district. She governed with strength and calm and grace, earning the respect of her colleagues regardless of party,” said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
“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. I’m deeply saddened at her passing and am praying for her family and friends as we all mourn this loss,” Republican Minnesota Senate leader Mark Johnson said in a statement.
Dziedzic is survived by her mother, Pat Dziedzic, and her five siblings. Memorial service details are pending. Dziedzic was 62.
With her passing, the Minnesota Senate will be tied 33-33 until a special election is called to fill Dziedzic’s seat.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
